Bolivia

Cochabamba inspires with its history of popular mobilization and grassroots activism to fight political corruption and a variety of pressing social issues.

Cochabamba, Bolivia

The “City of Eternal Spring,” vibrant and sprawling across a valley in the Andes, has a history of mobilization against corruption and a strong network of grassroots organizations working tirelessly to address key issues in their own communities. Cochabamba, home to many beautiful plazas and the largest open-air market in the Americas, full of cuisines to sample and local NGOs to learn from, makes an impression that will not soon be forgotten.

Since 1996 AllPeopleBeHappy has partnered with organizations in Cochabamba. One of our oldest partnerships continues to flourish through years of sustainable relationship building efforts.

Experiences

Plan a community-based global learning experience with us! Travel and virtual opportunities are available.

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Projects

Find out more about our current and past community-based, collaborative projects.

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MEET OUR TEAM

Ariel Flores

Site Director

Mauricio Ramirez

Site Director, FSD Bolivia

MEET OUR PARTNERS

FSD Bolivia

FSD Bolivia seeks to achieve community-driven goals through asset-based development and international exchange. FSD Bolivia believes that the power to end poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity is in people. It’s approach focuses on mobilizing resources–human, economic, and natural–for sustainable, life-changing initiatives.

CEOLI

Ceoli provides education and healthcare to low-income children with disabilities and works with those children to develop self-sufficiency. Participants may work in a number of areas according to expertise, including education, physical or hydro-therapy, administrative support, and recreational activities.

Agroflori

Agroflori is a refuge for wild and endangered birds as well as a care center for other wild animals, located in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Agroflori provides rescue and recovery of trafficked and endangered animals through ongoing care and preventative public education.

RESOURCES

Safety Record

AllPeopleBeHappy has an exceptional safety record and a proven ability to respond quickly and effectively to emerging challenges. Read more about our commitment to health and safety here.

Things to Read about Bolivia

Read the AllPeopleBeHappy Bolivia Handbook.

The communities of Cochabamba taking control of their own water supply

Traffic Zebras in the Street

Yashar, Deborah. 2005. Contesting Citizenship in Latin America. Cambridge University Press.

Lewis, Paul H. 2006. Authoritarian Regimes in Latin America: Dictators, Despots, and Tyrants. Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, Inc.

Klein, Herbert S. 2003. A Concise History of Bolivia. Oxford University Press.

Things to Watch about Bolivia

Even The Rain (También la lluvia), 2010 movie (on Netflix)

As a director and his crew shoot a controversial film about Christopher Columbus in Cochabamba, Bolivia, local people rise up against plans to privatize the water supply.

Water Rising, 2011

WATER RISING is a feature-length documentary about family, community, hope, and change in Bolivia during an era of water privatization. Filmed entirely in Bolivia, the film shares intimate portraits of people living in a ramshackle city where, despite an abundance of freshwater, they struggle for the right to access clear, safe, and affordable water.

Street Food Latin America: Episode 6: La Paz, Bolivia (on Netflix)

Buy CEOLI cards

One of CEOLI’s occupational therapy programs has grown into an opportunity for several young disabled Bolivian artists to earn wages to help support themselves, their families and their communities. For several years, these artists have been hand-painting greeting cards of typical Bolivian scenes. A biography of an artist is included with every card to provide more information about the community and individuals you are supporting. These beautiful cards make a thoughtful gift and show your commitment to creating a more equitable world. Buy a pack of cards and always send two: one from you, and one for your recipient to send or frame!

Click here to shop now

Happy shopping! If you’re looking for a specific card, or if you’d like to see the full catalog, please email melissa.nix@amizade.org