Education Bolivia Project #58899

Educational Sponsorship for 300 children

by Global Gallery, Inc.

Project Report | May 3, 2024
"Refugio Rafael" Esencial Training Transition

By Connie De Jong | Project Leader

Univalle Program

This year holds such a delightful series of new experiences at Refugio Rafael, and we are thrilled to share our progress with you. While Fundación Ayllu has been working in the Marquina through 2 central programs, including educational support for school aged children and transitional housing for single parents, we are now moving into programming that focuses on education and training for the entire family and community members of all ages. With changes in the community, we are responding to the needs surfacing as migration continues to expand the urbanization of the area. This process continues to put pressure on its inhabitants, both those who are new community members and those longer established, to adapt their skills to the changing social and economic landscape. We are taking advantage of 2024 to collect the new concerns of community members, pilot new training and educational programming, and adapt our buildings and administration to these new needs. This report includes a few of the highlights as we begin this transition process.

Leaders from the 254 Youth Center in Gahanna, Ohio, USA traveled to Bolivia to explore the idea of creating a "sister center" relationship with Refugio Rafael. The leaders volunteered in "La escuelita," got to know the families, helped distribute Food Bank donations, played and worked and enjoyed their experience. As a result of this trip, "La escuelita" established a new computer lab and high school aged students are engaging in a weekly practice of exchanging phrases in English and Spanish to develop skills in each others' languages through zoom. The 254 plans to return both as a leadership group and with youth in the coming year.
The relationship with the "Banco de Alimentos" or Food Bank has deepened and we continue to support distribution of rescued food and supplies for 80-100 families in the community. These families also gather to learn about current programming with Refugio Rafael and gain access to services.
A day of entertainment at Univalle for 85 young people to introduce students to the university environment and engage with university aged students.
A day of workshop with the women of Imillaskate who encourage everyone to embrace their traditional dress and culture and be brave skateboarders!
A continuation and expansion of partner programming with Smile Forever, offering dental care to children in the region.
Addition of a social worker and psychologist in service of supporting the remaining families in transitional housing.
Expansion of the handcraft programming as products gain popularity, more women are able to integrate into the group.
Exploration of partnerships and training opportunities for children, youth and adults in service of wellness, economic prosperity and happiness.

We thank you for your continued support of the children and families in the Marquina area. We look forward to sharing more information about training and education opportunities as they arise and become formalized into our model.

Creative Programming at Univalle

Program with Imillaskate

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Jan 28, 2024
Meet Juana's Family & 2023 Impact Report

By Angela Heaney | Bolivia Fundraising Lead

Nov 7, 2023
Refugio Rafael Students Complete the 2023 Academic year

By Angela Heaney | Bolivia Fundraising Lead

Kids playing at the Refugio

Students at Refugio Rafael are finishing their 2023 academic year, which, in Bolivia, runs from February to mid-November. This past year, Refugio Rafael had 125 students enrolled in the after-school program! We are expecting over 300 to enroll in the 2024 academic year. The after-school program provides homework help, tutoring, special education, and career exploration opportunities. Snacks are provided daily and the program encourages students to continue their education. In July, 16 new students participated in a winter break reinforcement program. The students improved their reading and math skills and will reevaluate their proficiency during the summer break.

Smiles Forever continues to provide dental care for children and adolescents at the Refugio. Our partnership reached over 250 children during the last visit where they received dental care and dental education. We also have a partnership with the Instituto Tecnológico de Bella Vista. Interns from the Institute are assisting in the school and reinforcement activities, like the program offered in July.

Donors like you continue to support our mission to provide a safe and nurturing environment for indigenous and migrant mothers and their children to live and learn. Refugio Rafael continues to successfully operate our 4 primary programs: after-school, dental and medical assistance, transitional housing, and economic development/Fair Trade Artisans. These programs provide a safe space and opportunities for families to break the cycle of poverty.

In September, Refugio Rafael participated in the GlobalGiving Little by Little campaign. We raised over $800 for the after-school program students! Thank you to all of our donors who participated in the campaign. Our October trivia night fundraiser raised over $200 for the students. Attendees enjoyed teas and coffees at Global Gallery while winning prizes from Columbus businesses. We appreciate the support and fun night with the attendees!

World Peaces Fair Trade, Refugio Rafael’s Fair Trade partner, recently hired a new Fundraising Lead and a Social Media Intern. This means our Facebook and Instagram pages are back! We encourage you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events and engage with Refugio Rafael.

Thank you again to all of our donors. We appreciate your support and compassion for families and students at Refugio Rafael. Your contributions help Refugio Rafael students continue their education.

Artisans crocheting fish to be sold in the U.S.

Smiles Forever team with a group of children

Links:

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