Help Arminda and Her Peers to Graduate

FELIPA'S INSPIRING JOURNEY: FROM STUDENT TO THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Felipa, a former Helping Hands student, is an inspiring example of perseverance and dedication. After graduating with a degree in Business Administration, Felipa continued to pursue her goals, earning a master’s degree in Public and Private Investment Projects. Today, she is a valued professional in the Treasury Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bolivia.

What makes Felipa's journey even more remarkable is her role as a single mother of two children. Despite the challenges of balancing her studies, career, and family life, she has successfully built a career that not only supports her family but also contributes to her country’s development.

Helping Hands is very proud of Felipa’s achievements. Her determination and hard work have turned her dreams into reality, and her story is a testament to the strength and potential that each Helping Hands student possesses. Felipa's journey will continue to inspire others to follow in her footsteps.

 CELEBRATING OUR GRADUATES: STORIES OF PERSEVERANCE AND TRIUMPH

At Helping Hands, we are proud to celebrate the incredible journeys of our recent graduates, each of whom has overcome unique challenges to achieve his or her academic dreams.

Miriam, a Public Accounting graduate from UNICEN, is a single mother whose 9-year-old son was her biggest motivation. Today, she holds a stable job in a local pharmacy chain and is thrilled to have achieved her goals.

Jessica, who graduated in General Accounting from the Instituto Bancario, comes from a family of eight siblings. She is the first to earn a title and has ambitious plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Leonel, another proud graduate in General Accounting, was raised by his single mother. He worked various jobs, including in construction, shoe stores, and restaurants, to support himself. His determination has led him to this momentous achievement.

Ivana, a Public Accounting graduate from the Universidad de Los Andes, has shown great resilience. Despite the loss of both her mother and her father, she continues to inspire her two younger siblings, who are also pursuing their education.

Finally, Edgar’s story is one of sheer determination. As a graduate in Gastronomy from the Puerto Mejillones Institute, Edgar, who is deaf, never let his hearing impairment stop him from following his passion. Now, he is ready to launch his own business in the culinary world.

We are honored to witness their remarkable accomplishments and look forward to seeing their bright futures unfold!

 WATCH ISABEL AND CESAR'S JOURNEYS

Meet our amazing former students, Isabel and Cesar, as they share their inspiring paths to success. Both have made remarkable strides in their careers, and you can watch their journeys unfold by clicking below. Their stories are a testament to dedication and perseverance!

PRIORITIZING HEALTH FOR OUR STUDENTS' SUCCESS

At Helping Hands, we understand that good health is part of the foundation for academic success. That’s why we prioritize the well-being of our students by ensuring they receive the medical care they need to thrive.

As part of our program, all students are required to undergo dental check-ups, helping them maintain healthy smiles and prevent long-term issues. Additionally, Helping Hands covers any medical consultations or treatments our students may need, ensuring they don’t have to worry about unexpected healthcare expenses.

We are also proud to support students with vision care, providing glasses to those who require them. Clear vision is essential for learning, and by helping students see clearly, we remove a major barrier to their educational progress.

Our commitment to the health of our students allows them to focus on their studies and pursue their dreams with confidence and peace of mind.

 DAVE AND CLAIRE FROM THE TAYLOR FOUNDATION MEET OUR STUDENTS

Our students were thrilled to welcome Dave and Claire from the Taylor Foundation of Australia during their recent visit. It was an exciting opportunity for the students to share their academic journeys and future aspirations with our distinguished guests. Dave and Claire also spoke about their work in Australia, providing valuable insights and inspiration to our students.

MARTHA ATTENDED A SPORTS EVENT FOR FEMALE EMPOWERMENT SPONSORED BY THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR, MR. RICHARD PORTER

We are proud to highlight the participation of our student, Martha (on the right), at the recent "Empowerment Through Sports" exhibition organized by the Fundacion Illa Luna and hosted by the British Embassy. As an avid volleyball and football player, Martha was thrilled to be part of this important event that showcased the power of sports in promoting female empowerment.

YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

 By donating to our two GlobalGiving projects, you directly impact the lives of students striving for a brighter future. Your contributions help provide essential resources, education, and opportunities for young people in need. We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received, and with your continued generosity, we can keep empowering students to achieve their goals. Every donation brings us closer to building a stronger, more educated community. Thank you for making a lasting difference!

Donations are always welcome for our two projects, which you can visit below, to ensure our students continue their education.

 “BREATHE, THINK, AND ACT”: A DYNAMIC WORKSHOP FOR STUDENTS

In July, psychologists Yamile and Viviana conducted an engaging workshop titled “Breathe, Think and Act,” offering students valuable tools for managing stress and making thoughtful decisions. The interactive session introduced various techniques to help participants pause, reflect, and respond effectively in challenging situations. Students learned practical breathing exercises, mindfulness strategies, and problem-solving skills that can be applied both in their academic and personal lives. The dynamic format encouraged active participation, making the experience both informative and enjoyable. This workshop empowered students to take control of their mental well-being, enhancing their focus and emotional resilience.

ENGAGING MINDS: "I SEE, I HEAR, I LEARN" WORKSHOP EMPOWERS STUDENTS

In August, primary and secondary students participated in the interactive workshop "I See, I Hear, I Learn," where they explored effective learning strategies. Led by psychologists Viviana and Yamile, the session introduced dynamic activities aimed at enhancing focus, memory, and retention. Students learned how to use visual, auditory, and kinesthetic techniques to improve their study habits and performance. By combining fun exercises with practical tools, the workshop inspired students to take control of their learning process, boosting confidence and helping them discover their preferred methods for better understanding and retaining information.

GET MOVING: A FUN-FILLED AFTERNOON OF VOLLEYBALL AND FUTSAL!

In the month of September, our students enjoyed an exciting afternoon of physical activity with a mix of volleyball and futsal games, designed to encourage interaction and motivate exercise. The event brought together students of all skill levels for a fun, energetic experience focused on teamwork, fitness, and friendly competition. Laughter and cheers filled the air as everyone participated in dynamic games, boosting both their physical health and mood. The afternoon highlighted the importance of staying active while showing that exercise can be enjoyable and social. By the end, everyone left with smiles, feeling motivated to keep moving and embrace a healthier lifestyle.

MARÍA ISABEL AND IVETTE: FROM HELPING HANDS TO HEALING HANDS

 Ivette and Maria Isabel, once students of the Fundación Helping Hands, have transformed their lives and now contribute to their community as dedicated professionals at the Clínica Los Andes. Their inspiring journey exemplifies the impact of support and determination.

Maria Isabel, a former student of the Helping Hands Foundation, graduated with a degree in Nursing from the Universidad Central of La Paz. Now, she is a dedicated nurse at the Los Andes Clinic for the last 11 years. Married and a proud mother of a beautiful 6-year-old daughter, Maria Isabel reflects on her journey, saying,"I am very grateful for the support from Helping Hands because, without all of your help, it wouldn't have been possible for me to become a professional and have this stable job. I can give my daughter a better life and I am also in the process of building my own house." Her story is a testament to the life-changing impact of education and support.

Ivette, a former student of the Fundación Helping Hands, studied Pharmacy at UDABOL University. She also works at the Clínica Los Andes, within the Embriovid group, in the Pharmacy area. Ivette's future plans include owning her own pharmacy and pursuing a specialization abroad. Reflecting on her journey, Ivette says, "Helping Hands was the best thing that could have happened to me during the worst time of my life when I felt I couldn't finish my degree due to financial constraints. Helping Hands opened doors, filled me with hope and tranquility, and I found a second family. It made me believe that there's always a path to follow and to have faith in all the good things God provides. Thank you all!"

BALANCING DREAMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: HELPING HANDS YOUTH

 Students from the Fundación Helping Hands Foundation demonstrate remarkable resilience as they juggle education and work. These dedicated technical and university students take on various jobs, such as working in clothing stores, candy shops, auto repair workshops, supermarkets and much more. Their earnings help cover essential expenses like food and clothing. Despite the demanding schedule, they strive to fulfill their responsibilities and pursue their dreams. Their commitment to both their studies and jobs reflects their determination to earn a degree and build a brighter future. The students’ hard work and perseverance serve as an inspiring example of dedication and ambition.

GALILEA: CAPTURING STORIES WITH HELPING HANDS

 Galilea, a passionate film student from Colorado, is interning with Helping Hands from June to August. Using her cinematography skills, she recently produced a compelling interview video featuring one of our students for a GlobalGiving campaign. Her creative vision and dedication have brought the student's story to life, highlighting the impact of our work. Galilea plans to create another video, continuing to share powerful narratives that inspire and engage our global community. Check out the video at: Meet Arminda

EMPOWERING LIVES: MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Twice a year, our students embark on a volunteer journey, touching lives across Bolivia. They did a wide range of activities, each a valuable learning experience. They provided crucial academic support to children in need, ensuring they received the help necessary to excel in school. Compassion extended to the streets, where students offered hot tea and sandwiches to the homeless, bringing hope to those in dire situations.

Green areas will flourish as volunteers engaged in environmental clean-up and crafted signs promoting environmental care. Two girls donated blood, a gift of life, and another administered vaccine to prevent diphtheria and tetanus, safeguarding communities' health. Additionally, several of our students worked as volunteers with the 2024 population census in Bolivia, contributing valuable data for national development.

Through these selfless acts, our students learned invaluable lessons in generosity and altruism, discovering the profound joy of changing lives and building a better future for their communities.

Thanks a million for helping us reach our Bonus Day goal on GlobalGiving this year, enabling our youth to graduate and obtain their professional degrees.  Thanks for your valuable support.

We deeply appreciate the help for our vulnerable youth to continue their studies, achieve their dreams, and meet their goals, making the world a better place.

Donations are always welcome for our two projects, which you can visit below, to ensure our students continue their educations.

EMPOWERING  YOUTH: "MY BODY, MY HEALTH, MY LIFE"

 In April, Andrea, Project Manager for Sexual and Reproductive Justice at Marie Stopes, recently conducted an enlightening workshop "My Body, My Health, My Life." This initiative aimed to educate elementary and high school students, ages 12 to 18, on essential topics of sexual education. The workshop covered vital aspects of body awareness, health, and personal autonomy, providing the youth with knowledge to make informed decisions about their bodies and lives. Andrea's engaging approach ensured an interactive learning environment, empowering young participants to understand and appreciate their health and well-being.

NURTURING RELATIONSHIPS: STRENGTHENING VALUES THROUGH ASSERTIVE  COMMUNICATION FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

 In May, psychologists Viviana and Yamila conducted an engaging workshop titled "Strengthening Values through Assertive Communication" for technical and university students. This dynamic session focused on the importance of assertive communication in building and maintaining healthy relationships. Through interactive activities, participants learned key strategies for effective communication, enhancing their ability to express themselves clearly and confidently. The workshop emphasized the role of mutual respect and understanding in fostering strong values and positive connections. Attendees left with valuable insights and practical tools to improve their interpersonal skills and cultivate nourishing relationships in their academic and personal lives.

BUILDING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS:  A WORKSHOP ON ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

 In June, Viviana and Yamila conducted, once again, a workshop on "Nurturing Relationships and Assertive Communication" for elementary and high school students. This workshop was filled with interactive activities aimed at teaching youth the importance of effective communication. Participants learned how to express themselves clearly and listen actively, fostering healthier and more supportive relationships. The hands-on exercises and role-playing scenarios made the learning process fun and impactful, helping children to internalize these essential skills for their personal development and social interactions. This workshop is a vital step in nurturing well-rounded, communicative, and empathetic young individuals.