Who are the Q’ero?
The Q’ero are a tiny nation of around 600 farmers, weavers and medicine people who live in the High Andes of Peru. The medicine people are known as the “Keepers of the Ancient Knowledge.” Of all the indigenous populations of the Andes, they are credited with preserving the spiritual and healing tradition of the Inca – and those that came before them – in its purest form via their oral tradition. They have then freely shared this knowledge and their practices with the world, for the benefit
of mankind and the Earth.

What is “Ayni?”
Ayni is a Quechua word which translates as “reciprocity.” The Q’ero concept of Ayni works on the basis of first giving
before taking, of honouring, and living in balance and harmony with all things - with each other, and most importantly, with nature and the Earth.

What is the purpose of the fund?
The purpose of the fund is to give something back – to be in Ayni - with the Q’ero for all they have done for the world. For preserving the ancient knowledge of their mystical healing tradition for hundreds of years and for sharing this knowledge
with us, and for showing us the importance of living in Ayni with all things, so that our world can become a better place.
Many thousands of people all over the world have benefitted from the healing methods that the Q’ero have kept safe.

Why do they need assistance?
Nearly five hundred years ago, the Q’ero were driven up into “villages in the clouds” in the High Andes by the Spanish Conquistadors. These villages became their home and they continue to live there today. Conditions there are very, very
harsh and primitive and they continue to live in material poverty. The fund aims to reduce poverty and therefore allow this spiritual tradition to remain pure. The founder of the fund will work with the current elected president of the Q’ero nation,
and his community, to assign monies in accordance with the funds aims, but with the direction of the community. After the Q’ero have their needs met, the fund will also be used to provide attractive facilities for the children of the medicine people,
so that the medicine tradition can continue within the Q’ero nation.

Is the medicine tradition at risk of dying out?
Dona Maria, pictured, is in her eighties and is the last Altomesayok in the Q’ero nation. She has two sons but they are
resisting the many years of hard study ahead of them, instead preferring the bright lights and relative comfort of the big
cities. The fund aims to make training in this tradition a more attractive, exciting and appealing option, so the ancient
knowledge and ways can continue be passed down through the generations, as it has done for hundreds of years.