ORPHAN CRISIS IN BOLIVIA
Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in Latin America. Approximately 59 per cent of the population of about 9 million inhabitants live in conditions of poverty. Of these, 24.4 percent live in extreme poverty. This has a direct impact on children being abandoned and orphaned. People living in poor conditions are prone to illness and disease. Simple, treatable conditions can result in early death without access to adequate healthcare. According to UNICEF, nearly 10% of all children in Bolivia are orphans, and thousands of women choose to abort or abandon their children every year for many reasons. Since abortions are still illegal and costly in Bolivia, children are left on their own. These children are also at risk of being recruited into gangs and forced into child labor and human trafficking rings. They need the immediate safety of homes like Haven of Hope to protect them from the vulnerabilities they would otherwise face.
HAVEN OF HOPE
In 2003, an American humanitarian group, Men and Women of Action rebuilt a former orphanage in Santa Cruz. This facility is now one of Bolivia’s most beautiful homes for orphaned children. The 80-bed facility called Haven of Hope opened its doors on January 25, 2004, and operates through funding provided by Serving Orphans Worldwide and several U.S. churches. However, the facility must currently limit its enrollment due to budgetary constraints. Your donation could help Haven of Hope open its doors to many more Bolivian children who need the love and care that this home offers.
Serving Orphans Worldwide travels to every orphanage we partner with to ensure needs are legitimate and 100% of funds distributed goes to the livelihood of the children.
PROMINENT ISSUES
Abandonment
UNICEF recently reported that there are nearly 3,700 children living on the streets in six of Bolivia’s major cities, including Santa Cruz. Their living conditions are harsh, making them more vulnerable to other problems.
Abuse
In Bolivia, the fight for child rights is still a working progress. Bolivia has one of the highest rates of sexual violence against women and children in South America, but one of the lowest reporting rates.
Drug Abuse and Crime
With the problems of sex trafficking and a drug trade that is running rampant, children living on the streets and those from impoverished areas are more prone to violence and recruitment into a life of crime.
WE BELIEVE
HOME
Haven of Hope is comprised of 7 buildings, including a kitchen, offices, and separate dormitories for boys and girls. They also have a multi purpose room where they hold sewing classes, and teaching and tutoring sessions.
EDUCATION
Many children are denied an education in Bolivia because of their difficult circumstances. Haven of Hope is able to send their children to a public school near the home, and provide them with necessary school supplies.
FAITH
The children are introduced to the love of Jesus with compassion and understanding. The children go to church every Sunday and participate in devotionals.
HEALTH
The children have access to proper medical care, and are always taken care of when they are sick. The children are served 3 nourishing meals a day, consisting of grains, vegetables, and protein.