Making the impossible, possible!

In the Bolivian highlands is Vitichi, a small village where farming is the community’s only source of production. Traditionally, when a girl is born to a Quechua family, the expectation is that she will learn to farm. For most girls, going to school is not an option.

Maria Quispe is 14 years old. She says, ‘One of the reasons my parents do not want me to go to school is because they think I will migrate to the city after finish my studies.’

Pastor Gabriel from Tearfund partner Cristo Salvador Church says, ‘Once a young girl is educated, she goes to the city, marries, and never comes back – that is why most parents do not like to send their daughters to school.’

In an effort to stop this migration, Tearfund worked together with Cristo Salvador Church to implement a Church and Community Mobilisation Project (CCMP). Training was then given to help generate income for families, and create new jobs for young people. Thanks to an agreement reached with the local authorities, this training is now available in every school.

Because of your faithful support, Maria, along with 55 other young people, have had the opportunity to successfully finish secondary school. Many have received carpentry, metalwork or farming training, and are now staying within their communities to work in or own small workshops.

‘I have learned how to earn money for my own needs and for my family’, says Maria. ‘Now I do not need to go to the city for a job.’

Praise God that Maria and others like her are now flourishing, and fulfilling their dreams of completing school. How wonderful that they are now stepping into a bright future and all that God has planned for them.

PLEASE PRAY

• Praise God for the wonderful transformation that has taken place in the community. Thank God that mindsets have been changed, and young people are now unlocking their God-given potential.
• Pray that more young people will have the opportunity to finish secondary school, so that they may develop the skills to help build a happy, hope-filled future.
• Give thanks to God for Tearfund partner Cristo Salvador Church, for the ongoing training and great work that is taking place among young people in Vitichi village. Pray for strength and courage as these programmes continue to impact and change lives.

We pray because we're desperate for God - to walk with him... in step with his will for the world.

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