Jakon Rate's Great Grandmother's Fund
In the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, an extraordinary organization, Asociación Jakon Rate, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the ancestral wisdom of the Shipibo-Konibo people for the collective well-being of life in the Amazon and beyond. At the core of their mission lies the profound inspiration from a great grandmother, Manuela Mahua Ahuanari, whose true name, Jakon Rate, means 'A Life-Giving Good Surprise'.
Jakon Rate embodies the essence of a life filled with positive surprises and blessings. It's a philosophy of embracing the natural world and the wisdom passed down through generations. Asociación Jakon Rate's commitment is to help both current and future generations connect with the Shipibo-Konibo culture. They achieve this through a range of educational workshops, courses, and traditional samá experiences. These activities enable participants to deeply reconnect with the plants and animals of the Amazon Rainforest, paying homage to the forests and rivers of the Shipibo-Konibo homelands. The goal is to reconnect individuals with their source energy, providing life-giving shocks to the system and fostering a sense of renewal.
The land where Jakon Rate thrives is a 26.5-hectare (65-acre) sanctuary located just 8 kilometers from the cities of Yarina and Pucallpa. It's a raised peninsula adorned with lush forests and farmlands that stretches into the natural floodplain between the oxbow lakes of Cashibococha and Yarinacocha. The heart of Jakon Rate's family life is nestled at the entrance along the northeast side of this beautiful land. House by house and garden by garden, they are steadily building a community and a home.
Their commitment to sustainability is evident through the presence of a deep well that reaches 112.5 meters (369 feet) into the earth, providing a reliable source of potable water for drinking and daily use. Additionally, a towering water tower stands tall, featuring a 10-meter (33-foot) observation deck that offers breathtaking views of the lush landscape.
As they continue to grow, Jakon Rate has established 11 small private houses, each serving as a sámati xóbo, a dedicated space for each student's learning and practice. These houses are thoughtfully positioned further back on the land, ensuring a peaceful and isolated environment for deep exploration and connection with the Shipibo-Konibo culture.
In support of Jakon Rate's commitment to preserving and transmitting ancestral wisdom, they have established the Great Grandmother's Fund. This fund plays a crucial role in sustaining the organization's efforts to offer educational opportunities, workshops, and samá experiences. By contributing to this fund, you become a part of a larger movement that seeks to preserve the cultural heritage of the Shipibo-Konibo people and the rich biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest.
Embrace the spirit of Jakon Rate, where every day is a life-giving good surprise, and join in their mission to keep the ancestral wisdom of the Shipibo-Konibo alive and flourishing. Your support is an investment in a brighter future for the Amazon Rainforest and the generations that call it home.
