Although indigenous people make up less than 5 percent of the world’s population, they represent 15 percent of the poorest. August 9 marks the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This declaration defends the rights of indigenous peoples, encouraging them to maintain their unique traditions and cultures, and promoting cooperation and harmony with the rest of the world.
August 9 marks the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This declaration defends the rights of indigenous peoples, encouraging them to maintain their unique traditions and cultures, and promoting cooperation and harmony with the rest of the world.
God values people of every tribe, nation, and tongue because we are all His image bearers.
World Renew partners with many indigenous people groups worldwide. Believing that God values people of every tribe, nation, and tongue because we all bear His image, World Renew develops long-term relationships with Christian churches and community outreach organizations, creating opportunities for new learning in agriculture, health, literacy, and livelihoods.
In Guatemala, World Renew works with a local partner, Association for the Integral Development (ADIP), to help communities improve their agricultural production, prevent childhood disease, and increase adult education.
Rosa Cucul Yat struggled to find work to support herself, and she lost everything during Hurricane Mitch. “I started to participate in World Renew training, and then I began to use the techniques that I learned to grow coffee…. Besides coffee, I also have pineapples, bananas, and avocado trees,” said Rosa.
Rosa has learned more effective ways to grow crops to feed her four children and sick husband. She has also motivated other women in her community to join her group. Together, they are working to provide for their families and overcome poverty.
In Laos, World Renew supports rural indigenous communities as they build relationships with their local government offices. As a result, community members are organizing school construction projects so that children have access to education. After going to one of these schools, a boy named Locher won first place in two regional math competitions and second place in the national math competition!
World Renew promotes the use of indigenous languages in primary education and the use of Lao, the national language, as a second language. Better education and dual language learning leads to more job opportunities and increased income, as well as increased engagement with those outside the community.
World Renew works with many indigenous people groups in countries like Bangladesh, Nicaragua, and Cambodia as well.
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Photo top: Adults a literacy class in Laos
Photo credit: Ari Vitikainen