Work Areas

Integrated Education

The Integrated Education project implements the educational goals and objectives of the Agriculture and Basic Sanitation projects. Volunteers focus on reducing high infant/child mortality rates caused by poor sanitary habits and lack of basic hygiene knowledge through hygiene and sanitation education. The project also integrates nutritional education aimed at improving family health. Volunteers work directly with women and children in rural areas, promoting family gardens and nutrition education. Their greenhouse projects have reported a 50 to 80 percent increase in production for home gardens to assist families in meeting their nutritional needs. Volunteers also provide training and support to teachers and school districts.

Agriculture

Bolivia's farmers face serious challenges in meeting their families' basic needs for both adequate nutrition and income. Crop extensionists help farmers gain skills in sustainable agriculture and soil conservation techniques, which increase the income level of farming families. Nutrition extensionists work with rural families to provide nutrition education and support family garden projects, which yield nutritional foods for family consumption. The dual component of the agriculture project allows Volunteers to reach all members of the community, assisting mostly male farmers in traditional agriculture extension while incorporating women and youth through nutritional education and household gardens. Agriculture Volunteers have also conducted training on greenhouse management and encouraged schools to use greenhouses for vegetables offered in school lunches.

Business Development

Microenterprise Development Volunteers are creating greater economic opportunities to address endemic poverty in Bolivia. Volunteers assist communities in developing income generating activities and provide business skills training. Technical assistance helped build capacity in many basic business systems including records management, accounting, inventory, payroll and information technology. Projects in community tourism encourage sustainable tourism that both provides sustainable community income while simultaneously conserving natural and cultural resources.

Environment

Years of poor land use practices have depleted Bolivia's soil and water resources. Restoring the country's eroded and damaged environment poses a tremendous challenge. The Natural Resources Management project aims to improve Bolivia's natural environment and create a stewardship ethic among Bolivians. Volunteers work with local communities on soil conservation, watershed management and revegetation activities. Bolivians are introduced to the benefits of environmental protection and conservation practices through environmental education.

Basic Sanitation

Providing access to potable water and latrine systems is a major development challenge in Bolivia. Partnering with a range of local and national organizations, Basic Sanitation Volunteers work to improve sanitary conditions by constructing potable water systems and latrines in poor communities, organizing and training local water management and maintenance boards, and providing education to promote better health and hygiene practices.

Last updated Sep 27 2008