Our work in Bolivia

Hope reaches families in Bolivia

CFCA's sponsorship outreach in Bolivia began in 1988 and serves families in three projects: Cochabamba, Santa Cruz and La Paz.

More than 30 percent of the population lives in rural areas, and many people work in agriculture. Nearly a fourth of the population earns less than $1 a day.

Many children leave school to help their families on farms. Others leave because they cannot afford supplies or other school-related expenses.

Hope for a Family sponsorship offers these children and their families opportunities to build a path out of poverty. The program provides basic resources and offers vital support and encouragement.

While benefits vary among projects, nearly all sponsored members in Bolivia receive birthday and Christmas celebrations, clothes and school uniforms, and educational support such as school supplies and tuition assistance. They also receive health and dental care and nutrition assistance. Each project has a scholarship program, as well.

Cochabamba communities find ways to make more 'dough'

After learning to make pastry during workshops offered through the sponsorship program, five enterprising mothers from the Cochabamba project used their new skills to generate income. Their baked goods became an immediate hit at nearby street corners and bus stops.

The Sagrada Familia program formed a cooperative in which four mothers take turns baking 1,000 to 1,200 items every day. Each mother earns $41 per month. The mothers report that the baking income allows them to purchase daily necessities for their families, including medicine and bus fares.

These programs not only provide additional income for the families, but also give them a sense of accomplishment, camaraderie and the opportunity to learn business skills that can help them on their path to self-sufficiency.

Family groups empower and offer hope

Click the picture to watch a video of mothers groups in Bolivia.

Two years ago, Eufronia Taquichiri, Cochabamba project coordinator, visited India to witness its thriving CFCA mothers groups.

Her visit sparked the idea for mothers groups in the Cochabamba project, which were adapted for Bolivian culture and realities. The groups incorporate other family members, not just mothers.

"This is helping us to create stronger families, generating a chain reaction in the community and contributing to its overall development," Taquichiri said.

The family groups provide space for members to share their problems and experiences, advise one another and experience a support network. There is a feeling of empowerment and hope for a brighter future.

Personal training for individual and economic growth

The Bolivia projects focus on building up families through education so that the families may become self-sufficient.

The La Paz project offers several activities to achieve this goal, including literacy classes for parents of sponsored children. Literacy is an important way to increase future opportunities and earning potential. Literate parents can seek jobs with better hours and pay.

From left are Anthony's sister; Raquel, Anthony's
mother; Anthony, sponsored through CFCA; and
Anthony's grandmother.

Parents who can read and write can also help their children with homework. The ability to support their children financially and educationally gives parents a sense of empowerment and pride.

The Santa Cruz project, among other programs, also offers skill-building classes in many areas such as decorating fabrics and shoes, painting, baking and more. These classes are open to youth and adults.

CFCA offers support to single mother

Anthony lives with his mother and sister in their home in Santa Cruz. Anthony, 9, and his sister are shy but happy children. Their mother, Raquel, is proud that both children are excellent students.

Anthony has been sponsored for five years and says his favorite CFCA activities include singing and dancing at birthdays and Christmas. Raquel greatly values the staff's emotional support.

As a single mother and provider, Raquel often worked as a maid while pursuing studies in education. In March 2011, she graduated and is now an elementary teacher.

"I am so thankful to CFCA," Raquel said. "CFCA not only gave my family and me material support, but also emotional support to me to keep on raising my children."