Bolivia, South America

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America. With a population of 9 million people, and one of only two land-locked countries on the continent, Bolivia is confronted with unique economic challenges as it struggles to compete with its neighbours. Bolivia has the highest indigenous population in South America. The vast majority of these people live in impoverished communities and struggle for equal and fair access to public services.

Hands Across the Nations is based in the city of Cochabamba, the third largest city in Bolivia, and works closely with the Manos a traves de las Naciones Foundation, its charitable counterpart in Bolivia. Located at 2,558 metres (8,600 feet) above sea level, Cochabamba is in a valley of the Andes Mountains and is home to approximately 1 million people. Known for its rich culture, wide variety of food and enormous outdoor market, Cochabamba is the city of eternal spring and the heart of Bolivia. However, the people suffer from a wide discrepancy between the upper and lower classes, lack of employment opportunities and poor delivery of services. Hands Across the Nations has completed 5 projects in Cochabamba, including a community centre, dental clinic, income-generating laundry facilities and a variety of children’s programming.

In 2009, Hands Across the Nations shifted its focus to address rural poverty and began to work in the village of Quelcata, which is located in the department of Oruro at approximately 4,000 metres above sea level. This once-thriving agricultural town has suffered from years of drought, causing poor crop yields and forcing the villagers to move to cities seeking work. The lack of water has also affected nutrition, sanitation, hygiene and general living conditions in the town. Hands Across the Nations is focusing on improving the quality of life for the inhabitants of Quelcata, focusing on water, health and education projects.

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