Educational Sponsorship for 300 children

Based on the goal of ensuring family integration, to date, 10 single-parent families have been accommodated, characterized by their vulnerability due to the absence of the father through death or abandonment, leaving the mother and children in economic and emotional uncertainty and instability. As a result, by finding refuge at the Rafael Shelter, they were able to find some relief and glimpse rays of hope to face the adversities of life. As of now, 8 families have left the Shelter, with families number 7 and 8 departing in February of the current year, being part of the group of external single-parent families receiving follow-up from the Foundation. Currently, there are 2 families in the shelter.

Microenterprises

Reflecting on the various initiatives to encourage families to engage in productive areas such as bakery, agriculture, jewelry, and sheep wool crafts, it becomes evident how crucial this sector is, as it provides a source of income for families who feel they have no other way to support their basic needs. This allows them to experience the satisfaction of seeing themselves as providers. It is important to continue promoting entrepreneurship according to each person’s skills and interests. Currently, there is a microenterprise focusing on sheep wool crafts, which is an interesting and motivating activity that brings together several women of different ages to share life experiences while working with initiative and creativity.

The Little School

Since this program started at the beginning of the Foundation’s activities, it is important to highlight the significant role it plays in the families of the surrounding community. It serves as a center where they can receive support with their schoolwork and find a social environment where they can make friends of various ages, including educators and volunteers who provide emotional and spiritual support. To date, the group consists of 60 children and adolescents aged 5 to 16 who attend the Little School to receive educational support and enjoy time spent sharing snacks, playing, and celebrating monthly birthdays, among other activities. The importance of workshops on various everyday topics, such as Personal Care, Hygiene Habits, Values, Recycling, Sexual Education, and similar subjects, is emphasized. Short courses during vacation times, such as Knitting, Embroidery, Baking, and Literacy, as well as the current English course, are also offered. Product Distribution The past two years have provided a great opportunity to act as a bridge between the Foundation and the families in our community. This has allowed for the delivery of a variety of products with minimal logistical costs, contributing to the fight against hunger in support of the families at the Rafael Shelter, the mothers of the children in the Little School program, and others in the surrounding areas.

CONCLUSIONS

The importance of support networks with institutions aligned with our goals is highlighted, such as: Sayarinapaj Foundation: Provides an average of 6 social work interns per year who assist with school support, home visits, and product distribution. Bolivian Food Bank Foundation: Supplies a range of products weekly for distribution to 130 families from the Shelter, the Little School, and the surrounding population. They also facilitate access to accident insurance for our shelter children for a year and offer recreational activities on special occasions, such as Children’s Day, where 90 of our children enjoy fun activities. Smile Forever Foundation: Provides timely free dental care to Shelter families and extends its pilot dental care program to children in 3 grades at the Marquina Educational Unit. Imillaskates: Organizes a recreational afternoon teaching skateboard use and acts as a channel for donating clothing and toys to families benefiting from our various programs. Reformed Baptist Church Grace and Truth: Supports spiritual education with Friday night services attended by Shelter families and local children. They also organize activities, including a Vacation Bible School day and a week of Happy Hour with missionaries from Libopen.