Amanecer Area Program

Program Type

Community Development

Planned Life Cycle

2014 - 2029

Location

Bolivia

Areas of Focus

Education | Health

Program Timeline

Status: Active

Progress

2,599children received deworming treatment to support their health and development

Progress

317people received support with agricultural resources, including large and small livestock, tools and seeds

Progress

299people were trained or involved in community water, sanitation or hygiene initiatives

A white jeep driving through a muddy path, featuring a rainbow and trees in the background.

Program Details

Context

More than 23,000 call the urban community Amanecer home, with roughly 7,000 being children between the ages of 0-12 years old. 80% of the population are Andean immigrants, who came from the Bolivian Andes, often to find employment. The remaining 20% ar e indigenous Guarani, and are both Amanecer's longest standing citizens and the group who faces the highest levels of poverty.

There are several issues in the community that affect children and youth. Limited access to health care and a lack of proper nutritional education leaves children suffering from malnutrition, especially those under the age of five. Additionally, poor sanitation conditions and the prevalence of infectious diseases severely impact the growth and development of children.

Poverty, especially as it relates to young people, also has a strong impact on their education, safety and future. Many find themselves as parents from as young as 14 years old, and leave school to earn a living. However high unemployment rates in this community leads to many family problems, including increased drinking, domestic violence, and sexual abuse that directly threaten the wellbeing of children. Many Guarani children are raised by their grandmothers, while parents head to larger cities to find work, while Andean children are brought up by older siblings.

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Challenges

Health
In Amanecer, children under the age of five are the most vulnerable to diseases and malnutrition. Many things contribute to this, including poor living conditions, lack of nutritional training and improper sanitation practices. Infectious diseases that damage children's respiratory and digestive systems are common, and many parents don't know how to quickly detect and address the issues affecting their children's health.

Additionally, access to health services is limited, and the community has neither a facility that can provide complete care nor staff who are trained to serve the entire population. Environmental issues such as pollution and unsanitary waste practices impact health, and also keep families from being able to properly care for children.

Education
Similar to issues in health, the most vulnerable group when it comes to education are children under the age of five. 50% of them are affected by the lack of infrastructure and do not have a preschool or daycare"a shortage that primary school teachers say puts children at a significant disadvantage when they start their regular studies, and increases the risk of drop outs.

Parents inability to prioritize education combined with limited access to high schools and a lack of technical training frustrates many students into leaving school. In fact, roughly 70% of the adult Guarani population aged 18 to 60 have abandoned their education, continuing the cycle of poverty, and leaving the community without technical professionals.

Child Protection & Participation
In the community, there are no formal institutions that focus on protecting child well-being. The district's police office is in poor shape, and state offices such as the health centre cannot offer good service for patients, including children. Additionally, there are six educational centres in the community that have no child protection processes in place. Overall, community-based organizations tend not to factor in children when advocating for their rights.

Children's vulnerability is directly related to poverty and high unemployment, as many parents must travel far distances to find work and leaving their families behind. This makes children feel abandoned, and leaves them vulnerable to unsafe situations.

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Plans

Health
To keep children protected from harmful infections, diseases, injuries and malnutrition, World Vision will partner with the community to:

  • Equip youth, families and local partners with key practices to prevent poor health, disease and malnutrition.
  • Empower communities to make decisions that will improve their health and their health system.
  • Provide health support and nutritional supervision to young children and pregnant women.
  • Ensure all children are treated for acute respiratory infections and diarrhea.

Education
To ensure children can access and benefit from quality education, World Vision will assist the community to:

  • Ensure children between the ages of 2 and 6 years old participate in early childhood development programs.
  • Encourage children, specifically girls between the ages of 6 and 11 years old, to complete their basic education.
  • Equip schools and teachers with the necessary training to improve the education of children.
  • Help adolescents and young people develop age-appropriate skill sets.

Child Protection & Participation
To ensure children and youth enjoy a safe and protected environment, World Vision will work to:

  • Strengthen protection policies to improve comprehensive child welfare and local development.
  • Empower children and women to understand, promote and exercise human rights in their community.
  • Equip local institutions such as schools and churches with resources to promote and enforce child protection.
  • Emphasize health, education and local development with community protection committees and strengthen community participation.
  • Engage churches and community groups to advocate for child care centres.
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An image of children sitting on the ground in a classroom, writing in workbooks.

Results

Unless otherwise stated, data presented on this page reflects the most up-to-date results of World Vision Canada programs reported between October 2022 and September 2023, and any previous fiscal years available. Previously reported data may not match the current presentation as we continuously receive and refine data from our programs. If you have any questions, kindly reach out to us.