Provide Dental Care for 67,000 Bolivian Children!

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 Smiles 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.

Our partnership between GlobalGiving vetted organizations is strong and together 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.