Emerson lives with his father and his mother. He is responsible for running errands and cleaning. His father is sometimes employed and his mother maintains the home. There are 3 children in the family.
For fun, Emerson enjoys playing ball games. He attends church activities regularly and is in kindergarten where his performance is average.
Because of your sponsorship, Emerson will have new opportunities to learn and grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. Thank you for your concern and prayers.
Emerson lives in the coastal community of Chiripujio, home to approximately 8,000 residents. Typical houses are constructed of dirt floors, tin walls and wood roofs. The primary ethnic group is Aymara and the most commonly spoken language is Quechua.
The regional diet consists of maize, fish, bread, cassava, plantains, chicken, beef, rice and potatoes. Common health problems in this area include the flu, dental cavities, stomach infections, parasites, rheumatism, tuberculosis and malnutrition. Most adults work as street vendors and earn the equivalent of $100 per month. This community needs technical education, permanent employment opportunities and health centers.
Your sponsorship allows the staff of Maranatha Student Center to provide Emerson with Bible teaching, dental checkups, parasite treatments, picnics and academic support. The center staff will also provide meetings and educational lectures for the parents or guardians of Emerson.
Bolivia is comprised of four geographic regions: the central plateau in the Andes Mountains, the Lake Titicaca region, the central region's semitropical rain forests and the hot, humid lowlands of the east. Landlocked, Bolivia borders Chile, Peru, Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil.
Bolivia has the largest natural gas reserve in South America. Still, it remains the least developed country on the continent. Half the population is made up of indigenous groups who speak Aymara and Quechua and are who are mired in poverty. Compassion works mainly among the indigenous highlanders who make beautiful hand-woven textiles from the wool of alpacas and llamas, animals that also provide milk, meat and transport. Corn and potatoes are staples of the indigenous diet. Virtually all Bolivians are Catholic.
Once known as the cradle of the Inca Empire, Bolivia came under Spanish rule in 1535. Bolivia won independence in 1825. Until the end of the nineteenth century, there were many coups and short-lived constitutions. The period from 1952 to 1964 was marked by significant economic and social reforms and a new constitution was adopted in 1967; however, civil unrest continues to dominate Bolivia's politics. Bolivia is a divided country. Its indigenous people are locked in a battle with its industry and political leaders to gain more economic independence.
Map of Bolivia
Child's Location: Southwest of Oruro
