Educational Sponsorship for 300 children

Students at Refugio Rafael are finishing their 2023 academic year, which, in Bolivia, runs from February to mid-November. This past year, Refugio Rafael had 125 students enrolled in the after-school program! We are expecting over 300 to enroll in the 2024 academic year. The after-school program provides homework help, tutoring, special education, and career exploration opportunities. Snacks are provided daily and the program encourages students to continue their education. In July, 16 new students participated in a winter break reinforcement program. The students improved their reading and math skills and will reevaluate their proficiency during the summer break.

Smiles Forever continues to provide dental care for children and adolescents at the Refugio. Our partnership reached over 250 children during the last visit where they received dental care and dental education. We also have a partnership with the Instituto Tecnológico de Bella Vista. Interns from the Institute are assisting in the school and reinforcement activities, like the program offered in July.

Donors like you continue to support our mission to provide a safe and nurturing environment for indigenous and migrant mothers and their children to live and learn. Refugio Rafael continues to successfully operate our 4 primary programs: after-school, dental and medical assistance, transitional housing, and economic development/Fair Trade Artisans. These programs provide a safe space and opportunities for families to break the cycle of poverty.

In September, Refugio Rafael participated in the GlobalGiving Little by Little campaign. We raised over $800 for the after-school program students! Thank you to all of our donors who participated in the campaign. Our October trivia night fundraiser raised over $200 for the students. Attendees enjoyed teas and coffees at Global Gallery while winning prizes from Columbus businesses. We appreciate the support and fun night with the attendees!

World Peaces Fair Trade, Refugio Rafael’s Fair Trade partner, recently hired a new Fundraising Lead and a Social Media Intern. This means our Facebook and Instagram pages are back! We encourage you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events and engage with Refugio Rafael.

Thank you again to all of our donors. We appreciate your support and compassion for families and students at Refugio Rafael. Your contributions help Refugio Rafael students continue their education.

Links:

• Refugio Rafael
• Shop Refugio Rafael Fair Trade Products
• Facebook and Instagram - click the logos to follow

As 2023 develops, we are reinforcing our partnerships and expanding the reach of our programming into as much of the community as possible. As you may recall, our project primarily serves people in the Marquina area, many of whom are indigenous Quechua people who have migrated from remote rural areas in search of paid work, more educational opportunties for their children and often health care. We seek to support the range of pressures that come with setting up in a semi-urban area. 

Our primary programming includes educational support for school aged children, transitional housing for single parents, and many associated support programs including food distribution, scholarships and support for young people to enter the workforce, small business development and growth support, medical, dental and vision assistance. While our primary focus for all these services is those in greatest need, including those accepted into the housing program and the after school programming, we have been able to offer support to the surrounding community through the local school system, and now with a partnership with the neighboring community. 

As we broaden our reach, we hope you will follow this project as the main development in our work. We still appreciate your donations and support through this project, and will keep you updated either way. 

Thank you again for your generous support, consider making a donation on the July Bonus Day which boosts your giving through matching funds, and keep in touch!