Our work in Bolivia
In Bolivia, we partner with local churches, youth networks, theological training organisations, church denominations, and other organisations to address poverty and injustice. Our work results in physical and spiritual transformation. We focus on supporting churches and young leaders to become lasting sources of transformation within their communities.
Churches as centres of transformation
In Bolivia, local churches are putting their faith into action – meeting both the spiritual and practical needs of their communities.
With your support, Tearfund and our local partners are equipping pastors and leaders to tackle poverty and injustice. Here is how your prayers and support have made a difference over the last year:
Caring for creation
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In Tarija, 14 churches joined our programme to protect and care for God’s creation.
Local churches bringing hope and transformation
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38 churches joined our Churches as Centers of Transformation programme to strengthen their capacity to address the root causes of poverty in their communities through a holistic approach.
- 25 churches joined training sessions focused on how the church can bring peace to areas struggling with high levels of violence.
- 18 churches took part in the Facilitators for Transformation training course, learning how to identify and meet the most urgent needs in their neighbourhoods.
Young people leading the way
Young people are not just the future of Bolivia – they are bringing about change right now. We’re training young leaders to stand up against injustice and transform their communities.
Through a regional youth network, we’re equipping more than 120 young people to tackle the challenges they face every day. From local recycling campaigns to speaking out at global events like the COP16 climate summit, these young people are putting their faith into action.
These young leaders have taken what they’ve learned and shared it with their communities, reaching more than 1,300 people.
Training the church leaders of tomorrow
To bring lasting change to Bolivia, we need leaders who are equipped to tackle the root causes of poverty. Tearfund’s regional team is building partnerships with leading universities in Bolivia to ensure the next generation of pastors is ready to serve.
By investing in these students now, we’re planting seeds for a more hopeful and just future for all of Bolivia. We’re currently working with two key institutions.
Universidad de Aquino de Bolivia: The only university in the country offering a degree in Pastoral Leadership. We are teaching students and staff how the local church can lead the way in caring for God’s creation.
Southern Theological Seminar: We’ve started a new partnership here to help students learn practical ways to lead their communities out of poverty and injustice.
Working together for lasting change
To tackle poverty for good, we have to look at the big picture. That is why we're committing to long-term partnerships in Bolivia that bring together churches, young people and local experts.
A movement for hope
We recently started a three-year partnership with Fundación Diaconía FRIF-IFD. Together, we’re equipping churches across the region to become centres of transformation. This means local churches will have the training and resources they need to help their communities overcome the root causes of poverty.
Innovation and the environment
We’re also working with the next generation of Bolivian leaders to protect the world around them. They’re doing this by starting their own church-led projects, calling for better protection for the environment and promoting sustainable solutions, and inspiring pastors to support youth-led community activities.
By connecting these different groups, we’re building a powerful movement that can influence change at every level of society.
