Gender Equality Bolivia Project #38170

Support 125 children at Refugio Rafael in Bolivia

by Global Gallery, Inc.

Project Report | Jan 10, 2020
Project report

By Connie De Jong | Project Leader

Please let me know if this email works for our January report. I am currently in Ghana and have low bandwidth to complete it online:
Title: reflecting back, dreaming forward

Refugio Rafael has been reflecting on 2019 and looking forward to advancements and developments in 2020. As we try to process the intense political challenges in Bolivia, we are reminded that our work continues regardless of the President of any country, and work to keep focused on the goal of uplifting children and families who have migrated to the Marquina area or have found us through serendipity or referral.

2019 was the first year the refuge was completely full with four mothers and their children, and the time helped the women support one another in their efforts to feed and educate their children as well as to enjoy a stable and supportive environment. The Refugio also started a special time with the children living with us for snacking and sharing after school that was cherished by all, including staff.

Refugio Rafael also began very specific case studies with each family to address barriers to independence and to lay the groundwork for finding a permanent home and community that would best benefit each situation. We plan and hope that 2020 will see forward progress in independent living situations and that we will transition at least one mother and family to her own place. We expect this to add some expense to our budget, but know that in all cases, it is the mothers’ greatest hope for securing their children’s’ futures. We remain steadfast in this effort.

While political instability also meant instability for our after school program, we are happy that 2020 has started on a much calmer note and are planning for ways to improve the tutoring and development provided. We hope to add a second floor to the school building if budgets and volunteers allow. We still celebrate the addition of a teacher in 2019 and hope to add more support as we grow.

In 2020 we are expecting many volunteers from across the US, and also invite additional expertise for our annual support. Please contact us if you would like to join us in March or April and have expertise in any of the following areas: construction, social work, education, Spanish, arts and music education, non profit development, handcrafting (particularly knitting and felting), agriculture, small business development, early education, or suggest another area.

We are deeply grateful for your support and look to 2020 for a wonderful and prosperous year.

www.worldpeaces.com

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Oct 14, 2019
Household Finance and Independence

By Connie De Jong | Project Leader

Jose Miguel feeding himself

Progress at Refugio Rafael has been both inspiring and challenging, and we reflect in this report on the accomplishments of both children and mothers. We have made a few developments in daily activities for the families living in the Refugio - one is a daily snack time when the kids arrive home from school. The other is an effort to unite the mothers to support one another in their economic activities and social support.

Aleida, who directs the overall operations of the Refugio, delights in the new after school snack time with all the children living in the Refugio. She says it provides important supplemental nutrition, plus a vibrant time for the kids to tell the stories of their day. The most dramatic changes for the families can be seen in the performance of the kids in school. The teachers in the schools have marveled at their growth, their community spirit, and their performance in their studies. All of the children living in the refugio are excited to tell about school, to reflect on what they are learning, and to recount anecdotes of their classmates and teachers. As some of the children arrived to the Refugio lethargic and without some of the basic skills to succeed in school, this advance reinforces the importance of supporting them on their journey. In addition, they share a daily healthy snack during this time, supporting their overall nutrition and reinforcing good habits.

The mothers continue to work hard to provide support for their families through economic activities. All 4 families now live in the same 2 story building in order to help care for each other's children during different work schedules. This structure sometimes brings conflict as different families adapt to each other's living habits, but overall has provided a sense of community, vital childcare support, and overall reinforcement of positive behaviors as old habits are weaned out. As the mothers find more stability, we are working on household financial plans in order to map the route to independent living for each family. The process takes time, but incremental progress in nutrition and health, education and income all bode well for a positive outcome.

We are happy with development at Refugio Rafael, as the holidays get closer, we give thanks for all the support for these families, as well as for the 100 children in the afterschool program. Every effort made for improvements in education, health, income and social stability has an impact. Our deepest gratitude to you for your continued support.

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Jul 5, 2019
Birthdays

By Connie De Jong | International Coordinator

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