From the High Andean LakeTiticaca region of western Bolivia and southern Peru: ¡Kamasaki! Aymara, the local indigenous language,for hello, how are you. We survived the Andean winter (here, that’s Junethrough August). We are fully settled into our home, and we’re ready forvolunteers and mission teams. As site hosts and coordinators of the LakeTiticaca Border Mission, the people here need your help …
This is the poorest region in Bolivia, which is the poorestnation in South America. Most indigenous people here survive on less than $2 aday, growing corn and potatoes. A few can afford to buy rice and pasta -- morecarbs. But virtually no one can afford an adequate balance of fruit, vegetablesand protein. A woman inher mid-20’s told us, “Even if I could afford (vegetables and protein), I onlyknow how to cook corn, rice, and potatoes.”
Recently, we met with local Bolivian leaders andresidents to learn about their needs, and how the Border Mission can help,sustainably. Once we get our Bolivian work visas, we’ll be able to visit andassess Peru communities, too. Watch for an update coming soon!
We welcome Marion Stafford,an UMVIM volunteer from Michigan, who will be working with us for three months!Welcome/Bienvenidos, Marion!
People here need hands-on help from
individual volunteers, small groups,and
teams. Please read the Project Profile below, and others, with photos, onour newly expanded web site,
www.misionfronteras.com.Let us know which projects interest you. We can help with travel arrangements, lodging, budgets, insurance, etc.
Copacabana, one ofseveral Bolivian sites; health-related needs:
In this entire region, only a small hospital in Copaprovides “health services.” It’s staffed solely by unsupervised medical internsfrom Cuba who admit to knowing little or nothing aboutdiagnosis and treatment. Localsuse it as a last resort. Instead, familiestend their own, using natural medicines or an herbalistor witch doctor. A gravely ill or injured person mightattempt the 3-hour bus trip to La Paz, if the family can afford the $2.20 fare.
Rural Bolivian communities have a high and rising medianage. Young adults tend to pursue a more lucrative life in biggercities, or other countries. The elders, called “anciens,” have little or noeducation, few if any marketable skills, they speak only Aymara, no Spanish;and many are too old and stooped for farm work. Some anciens depend on the community forshelter, and on the church for food.
Mission Projects inCopacabana, Bolivia
- Resident and visiting seniors and district residents want to learn about nutrition (the seniors, virtually all malnourished, count this a priority).
- Basic and specialized training of Promotores de Buena Salud (Promoters of Good Health). These volunteers complete a Border Mission-sponsored, certified training in basic hygiene, preventive public health practices, and basic health and medical care, with the promise to train and serve others in their communities.
- Occasional, but critically needed vision, hearing, dental, and basic medical clinics provided by visiting U.S. mission teams. (Ideally, teams will bring or send eyeglasses, hearing aids, toothbrushes, or medications.)
