Bolivia Fact Sheet
September 2005
Background
In March 2004, USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) launched its Bolivia program in response to the political crisis that resulted in violent protests and the forced resignation of President Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada. The objective of the OTI program, in coordination with the larger USAID Mission activities, is to reduce political tensions and support democratic processes in order create space for democratic continuity. In response to the ongoing political crisis, OTI is working closely with the transitional government to meet critical needs and help the country prepare for general elections in December. As of July 1, 2005, OTI has committed over $6.2 million to 193 grants and activities.
Program Description
The program has three inter-related focus areas:
- Reduce tensions in conflictive areas through community development
- Diffuse information and promote peaceful dialogue on issues of national importance
- Identify and support emerging moderate, indigenous leaders
Many of OTI's activities focus on community development in El Alto, a poor city where several incidents of national social unrest have originated, and the adjacent altiplano region. In fact, over 200,000 citizens and officials (out of a population of 800,000 in El Alto) have participated in OTI activities. OTI has also funded a number of national communications and economic development activities. Support for indigenous groups and youth are a cross-cutting theme to all of OTI's activities.
Program Activities
- Reduce tensions in conflictive areas: OTI's short-term, community-based activities in conflictive areas: 1) support income generation, job training and productive engagement of youth and the unemployed (40 grants for $725,000); 2) improve public school infrastructure (33 grants for $881,000); and 3) facilitate the political participation of disenfranchised, undocumented citizens in the altiplano (7 grants for $584,000).
- Information and dialogue on issues of national concern: Working with civil society and the national government, OTI's communication activities provide balanced information on key issues such as the gas referendum and December's municipal elections. (69 grants for $2,626,000)
- Civic education and training for emerging leaders: OTI works with moderate social, youth and key indigenous organizations to provide opportunities for education about political processes, leadership training, and constructive dialogue. (29 grants for $981,000)
For further information, please contact:
In Washington, D.C: Amy Frumin, LAC Program Manager, 202-712-4231, afrumin@usaid.gov
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