Yaku Churi
Children of the River
Educating Children, Protecting Rivers, Conserving Culture
Who We Are
We are children from several communities—Serena, Jatunyacu, Shandia, Santa Rosa, San Carlos, Ichiurcu—united by the Rio Jatunyacu. We were born on this river, and now we connecting with the river in a new way through the sport of whitewater kayaking.
An Amazon Headwater
The Jatunyacu is a principal headwater of the Amazon River, the largest river on earth which forms the most vital ecosystem on earth, the Amazon Rainforest.
Today the river and its communities are facing major impacts due to resource extraction and subsequent environmental degradation.
Our goal is to involve children along the Jatunyacu, so that they get involved in this world of whitewater, kayaking, sharing, learning and, above all, joining forces to protect our river. We are beginning our project with a cohort of fifteen students in the year of 2024.
How You Can Help
We are a volunteer-run organization. If you are in-country, we can use your help supporting our planned activities, and helping create new opportunities for the kids. We always need experienced paddlers to provide back up for us on the river. Have gear that needs a home? We are always looking for good used gear to outfit our new boaters.
Make a Donation
Our programs are donation-based.
We fund everything from the kids’ bus rides to the river, to their meals, equipment and program registration fees. We can’t do it without your help!
Testimonials
Diego Robles
“We are empowering the children to take care of their home river and understand the importance of the natural resources, because the children start the change we need to see in this world.”
Jair
“The river has its spirit, it has its own life, and we must take care of it for our future.”