Bolivia is a country
characterized by extremes
Bolivia has some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.
From the majestic Andes Mountains overlooking Lake Titicaca, to the out-of-this-world endless white salt flats, and finally to the lush green rainforests, the grandeur of God is everywhere in Bolivia.
And the Bolivian people?
Boliviains are some of the warmest and most tender-hearted humans on the planet. And do they ever love laughter, song, and dance! Attend just one Bolivian festival and you’ll see. . .
Despite its marvels, Bolivia has been gripped by extreme poverty for centuries.
Approximately 12.2 million people live in Bolivia. Current statistics explain their suffering — and especially for young Bolivians:
Bolivia has been the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, second only to Haiti
36.4% of Bolivians live below the poverty line
Approximately 8000 children and adolescents live on the streets
Approximately 9000 children and adolescents live in orphanages
In the rural areas, 34% of children and adolescents have to work to support their families
In the rural areas, 40% of Bolivian young people do not finish high school
In rural areas, only 5-10% of Bolivian young people attend university
In rural Bolivia especially, the lack of economic resources too often results in education ending well before the 12th grade.
What happens then?
Young girls may “hope” to find a job working as a maid for one of the few wealthy families, but more often than not, they are exploited economically, physically, emotionally, and even sexually. Without an education, too many girls also end up pregnant, making poverty continue for yet another generation in Bolivia.
Young boys do not fare any better. The “lucky” ones may find a job on one of the big farms, but the work is seasonal, and the pay is barely enough to survive on.
To be uneducated in Bolivia means living hand to mouth, crisis to crisis,
every
single
day
of your life.
Can anything be done to stop this?