From thousands of miles away, a letter and a package filled with small gifts — from stickers to hair ribbons — mean the world to a sponsored child.
Why World Vision is in Bolivia
One of the poorest and most underdeveloped Latin American countries, Bolivia faces declining economic growth while drug production and usage climb. In 2017, a national journalism award was given to a report on child sexual abuse—an important spotlight on a prevalent problem. Protecting the most vulnerable is an ongoing issue. Bolivia has one of Latin America’s highest rates of gender violence, affecting women at home and in the workplace. Many children are threatened by exploitation from human trafficking and cyberbullying. Your support is helping the most vulnerable children flourish. Child protection efforts are targeting the threat of trafficking with programs and laws focused on digital safety. As a result of health trainings for parents and caregivers, nine in 10 kids under 5 have received critical vaccinations. The rate of children under 5 with acute malnutrition has dropped to 5 percent throughout the country. And the percentage of sixth graders who can read with comprehension nearly doubled this year. As parents are trained in models of caring for their kids better, they’re becoming more involved in their children’s education. We’re also developing centers that prioritize early literacy and essential learning skills so kids have a practical path out of poverty.
We never give up on people
World Vision child sponsorship looks at all the things that prevent children from surviving and thriving in their community, and then works with that community to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together to build a better life for all children. For sponsors, it’s a personal way to show God’s love to a child in need in a life-changing way.
Sponsor a child in Bolivia ❯
Progress in Bolivia
Thanks to the generous support of donors, we’re making great progress toward the well-being of children and their families.
Child Protection and Care
Boys and girls are safe and valued, well cared for by their families, and participating in their communities as agents of transformation.
- Through fairs, festivals and other learning events, youth in Bolivia learned about their rights and how to protect themselves so they could better recognize situations and know how to report cases of abuse or violence. They also learned how to advocate for their rights at school and at home.
- Parents and teachers in Bolivia were trained on child protection and how to report violence against children so that children are safe and cared for at home and at school.
Healthy Children and Families
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease, and have access to essential health services.
- Through a collaboration with partners in Bolivia, local health committees are being encouraged to facilitate routine health check-ups at health clinics. Parents are also attending educational sessions to strengthen their knowledge on important health and nutrition topics, targeting children living in remote areas.
Education for Better Lives
Children have opportunities to learn and to develop their talents, young people are equipped for the future, and families and communities support children's education.
- Pre-school aged children in Bolivia are participating in early child development programs, where they play and participate in activities that help them acquire school readiness skills. Caregivers also participating in training's on family gardening, preparing nutritious meals and other sessions on child development.
- Children in Bolivia are participating in homework and learning clubs that provide extra support after school to improve reading, writing and math skills through games and other hands-on activities.
Prayer Requests from Bolivia
World Vision's staff in Bolivia are asking us to join them in prayer for the following:
Sustainability of our work to stop violence toward children in their homes, schools, and community.
No violent days from political instabilities.
News from Bolivia
From the Field
Seeking justice: A former sponsored child in Bolivia becomes a lawyer
Ruth grew up in a Bolivian village rife with abuse, alcoholism, and abandonment. She has a passion for seeking justice on behalf of children. Through World Vision sponsorship and a friendship with Rich Stearns, World Vision U.S. president, she found the strength and support to live out her dream of becoming a lawyer.
Prayers
Covering the world in prayer: Pray for South America
Please pray with us for World Vision’s work in South America — Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Brazil. While many of these countries are still recovering from years of internal violence and political instability, each faces unique challenges today.
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