Sustainable Bolivia and La Colonia

by Nicole Suarez
(Indianapolis, Indiana, USA)

My story of volunteering in Bolivia

Bolivia is a country that has many things that are still in need of discovery. Before I came into the country, I was interested in giving to the community. I contacted Sustainable Bolivia www.sustainablebolivia.org to volunteer in Bolivia, which helped me learn about what many kids in Bolivia have to go through: abandonment. I shared time with many kids, which came from small cities around Bolivia, or were just part of the neighbourhood. I discovered a welcoming family, in which together they worked to go forward.

During my time with Sustainable Bolivia I volunteered with a Project called Colonial Ecologica. La Colonia Ecologica is a village like place, in which kids are sheltered. But many, including my self, think of a shelter as a place which is not so pleasant. Colonia Ecologica is the complete opposite of the stereotype many of us think of when we think of a shelter. It is a safe place in which kids ranging from age 2 – 19 are homed. There are over 100 kids in La Colonia, 30 of which get to live there, and over 70 kids that go there during the day. Many of the kids have parents that left them, or don’t have the capacity to take care of themselves, yet alone a kid.

There are many projects that are still on hold because there isn’t enough money to go through with these projects. One of the projects Mr. Villanueva was telling me about was to have more showers so all the kids can shower, especially during the summer time, when it’s so hot. They are still currently trying to find donors so their plans can begin. Sustainable Bolivia’s grant program and fundraising techniques help them develop such projects and meet their needs.

La Colonia has a very friendly and safe environment for the kids to grow up. The time that I spent with with Colonia and Sustainable Bolivia was very valuable and helped me take away experiences that I will never forget. I got to cook with the girls, work on the garden with the boys, and play with the little ones. I got to talk with the kids and they opened up to me, telling me how they got to the there. I heard so many stories that surprised me on how much these kids have been through. But these experiences don’t stop them from being young and happy. One of the characteristics that surprised me the most was how educated, loving and caring the kids are. They welcome you in such a way that makes you feel as part of the family instantaneously. Working helped me realize how much kids suffer and go through, but thanks to organizations like Sustainable Bolivia and people like Mr. and Mrs. Villanueva, these kids are given a second chance.