Our work in Bolivia

Overview

Though rich in mineral and energy resources, Bolivia is one of South America's poorest countries.

Indigenous people groups, who comprise almost 60 per cent of the population, are most affected by inequality and poverty. They are less likely to have access to education, health care, or water for household use.

Indigenous women and children are particularly vulnerable – around 50 per cent of women report experiencing physical abuse or intimidation.

According to Unicef and the International Labour Organisation, more than half of Bolivia’s children are employed or forced into work, often in dangerous conditions. These children are also at risk of trafficking for sexual exploitation, domestic work and mining.

Our work in Bolivia

Tearfund is working with some of the poorest communities in the country, including with indigenous people in rural communities and urban migrants.

Protecting children

We are tackling the high rates of child labour and human trafficking by supporting and protecting at-risk children and young people. Our partners are training parents and teachers in how to prevent school dropout, improving the quality of education, and equipping teenagers with crucial life skills.

Addressing sexual and gender-based violence

We are supporting women in communities which have high levels of sexual and gender-based violence. Our partner organisation is developing a project with 40 churches, training church leaders to teach people in their communities about healthy relationships within the home. Another local partner is reaching more than 10,000 teenagers with training about healthy relationships.

We are raising awareness and improving laws to protect women and children from domestic and urban violence, while providing spiritual and psychological support to sexual abuse survivors.

Adapting to climate change

Tearfund helps communities respond and adapt to climate change – particularly in rural areas which are highly vulnerable to flood, drought, landslides, environmental degradation, and erratic rainfall.