World Vision is committed to partnering with the people of Bolivia to improve their lives today and to help enact sustainable solutions for the future of their children, families, and communities. World Vision’s child sponsorship program plays a vital role in this partnership, with donors from the United States sponsoring more than 17,400 girls and boys. In addition to sponsorship, World Vision operates other programs that benefit communities in Bolivia. Highlights include:

• Improving food production and reducing the rates of child malnutrition.
• Responding to natural disasters and emergencies with relief supplies, as well as helping communities increase their disaster preparedness.
• Encouraging children to remain in school and lowering dropout rates by providing school supplies.
• Offering loans to disadvantaged Bolivians, allowing them to generate income through agriculture, raising livestock, neighborhood services, and local trade.

World Vision involvement in Bolivia began with a 1965 pastors conference. Child sponsorship began in 1975. Since then, some major accomplishments include:

• Sponsoring children and establishing orphanages and childcare centers since the 1970s.
• Supplying potatoes, vegetable seeds, and water pumps to Bolivians affected by a major drought during the 1980s.
• Providing books, tables, and chairs to school children in the 1990s.
• Training community healthcare providers, and teaching children the importance of dental and general hygiene care during the 1990s.
• Offering educational programs, family healthcare, agricultural training, and human rights advocacy since the beginning of the 21st century.

Geography and people

Bolivia, a landlocked country in west central South America, borders Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Peru. On a high plateau between two Andes Mountain ranges lies the Uyuni salt bed, the largest concentration of salt in the world. Lowland plains, gently rolling hills, and a dense tropical rainforest are in the east.

Natural resources include gold, silver, tin, zinc, iron, oil, natural gas, timber, and hydropower.

Most of Bolivia’s residents are Native American or mestizo, of mixed Spanish and Native American descent. The majority of Caucasian Bolivians, who make up 15 percent of the population, are of Spanish descent. The official language is Spanish; Bolivians also speak the Aymara and Quechua languages.

Because roads are frequently flooded, the delivery and receipt of mail can be slow. It may take several months for residents to receive or reply to any correspondence.

History

Bolivia was once a part of the Inca Empire before the 16th century, when Spanish forces took control of the area. After several years of struggle with Spain, the territory won its independence in 1825 and named itself after Simón Bolivar, who helped in the liberation.

Bolivia has a long history of coups and civil conflicts. In 1982, the government returned to civilian democratic rule. Over the years, leaders have struggled to address social issues such as poverty and drugs.

Carlos Mesa became president in 2003 during a controversy about the exploitation of the country’s natural gas reserve. Mesa resigned less than two years later amid protests over the rising price of fuel.

Bolivian Amerindian activist Evo Morales won the presidency in December 2005 and 2009, becoming the country’s first indigenous president. His leadership continues to address social issues and to push for improvement.

Please pray for:

The protection and care of vulnerable children, many of whom suffer violence and abuse.

Families struggling to recover and rebuild their lives after natural disasters.