Facts About Bolivia

While Bolivia may feature incredible wildlife, beautiful snow-capped mountains and lush rainforests, it’s also home to many children living in devastating poverty. And poverty results in serious challenges. But Compassion is working to help children overcome them. 

Lack of Safe & Clean Water

Many people living in rural areas of Bolivia have no access to clean, safe water. With no other options, many families must rely on contaminated water sources, which can lead to deadly illnesses like cholera and typhoid. 

Our Response: Providing Reliable, Clean Water for Children & Families 

Compassion works within these communities to provide reliable and safe water sources for the children we serve. For example, we provide essential water infrastructure where needed, including wells, rainwater harvesting systems, water storage and even filtration systems. 

In some cases, we also work with local churches to construct new bathrooms so children have safe places to wash their hands and care for their bodies. Through the Compassion program, we teach each child we serve the importance of hygiene, ensuring they know how to prevent sickness. 

Lack of Child Protection 

Children living in poverty are especially vulnerable to exploitation and violence, including gang violence, forced child labor and abuse. According to UNICEF, violence against children takes place in eight out of 10 households in Bolivia. 

Our Response: Standing in the Gap to Protect the Vulnerable 

At Compassion, we work to ensure children feel known, loved and protected.  Through our child sponsorship program, children receive age-appropriate training to learn how to stand up for themselves and others. We also train our staff and volunteers to spot signs of abuse or violence and how to intervene.