Palca Project, Bolivia

See the progress you helped make happen in your sponsored community

When the project started, many children were falling behind in their education because they were expected to work to support their families.

Diseases caused by dirty water and poor hygiene were common, as was child malnutrition.

Thanks to your support, your sponsored child and other children in the Palca community have seen positive changes in their education, healthcare and awareness about their rights.

Together we've achieved so much

5 schools have new interactive learning spaces

New learning tools and methods have been introduced in schools to improve students’ learning and support development of their communication and reasoning skills.

  • 306 girls and boys under five years old participated in early childhood education and stimulation sessions.
  • 40 teachers completed training that focused on education innovation and managing children’s different development needs. 
  • 130 parents took part in training on early childhood development in 2016. The project worked with local parents to raise awareness on how they can support and be involved in their children’s education.

378 children and youth took part in child rights training

They learned about their right to protection from abuse and exploitation and about self-care strategies.

  • 32 young people completed leadership training.
  • A youth organisation has been set up to help improve child wellbeing and create a safer community environment for children. This organisation is recognised by local authorities.
  • 211 families completed training in healthy family relationships, positive parenting and conflict resolution.

868 children have learned good hygiene habits

Safe water and hygiene fairs have been held at schools to teach students about the importance of safe water handling and handwashing.

  • Two schools now have renovated toilet facilities, so children can practise good hygiene habits.
  • The incidence of diarrhoea in children aged between five and nine in the community has reduced to 20.4 percent, down from 37 percent in 2000.

"We learned how to cook healthy food for children and now we want to teach it to the community."

- Ruth, mothers’ network member