Project R-16089

EMPOWER2LIV@UTN: Empowering Marginalized Urban and Rural communities (MUR) in Imbabura to enhance Well-Being and Quality of Life through the Kawsay Living Lab hosted by Universidad Técnica del Norte (UTN) (Education)

The project aims to improve well-being and quality of life for vulnerable Indigenous communities in both urban and rural areas of Imbabura. Through inclusive, community-driven initiatives, the project promotes social inclusion and sustainable systemic change. Central to this approach is the revitalization of Ancestral Knowledge - 'Saberes Ancestrales'. The project validates this traditional wisdom through scientific research and creates innovative fusions with contemporary practices across education, health, environment, economy and nutrition. The Kawsay Living Lab, hosted by Universidad Técnica del Norte (UTN), serves as a participatory collaborative platform. Here, community members, researchers and students work together as equal partners to co-create new initiatives. They jointly exchange knowledge and experiences, developing solutions that are tailored to the local context and grounded in both 'Saberes Ancestrales' and scientific expertise."

12 February 2025 - 31 August 2026