Model of Integration

One of the core values of our foundation is integration. Bolivia as a country, unfortunately, is full of discrimination. Historically, this discrimination has run mostly along racial and economic lines. However, as recent reporting in local newspapers has shown, the newest target and largest victim of discrimination are those living with HIV/AIDS.

Our desire is to provide models of care that not only provide excellent service to children in need, but also offer examples of how these children can be integrated into society without discrimination.

In our care of orphaned, abandoned and abused children this means enrolling our children in activities not usually attended by children from institutions. It also means advocacy within the schools for fair treatment when our children face clear discrimination from teachers and other staff members. One of the most important things we are able to do it encourage our kids, letting them know that despite the harsh words and unfair actions they face from time-to-time, their worth is not dependent on the judgements of others, but rather the love of God.

Also, we are part of a network organized by the group Vivo en Positivo (Living Positively) which is collaborating to respond to specifically children and single mothers affected by HIV/AIDS. So much of the battle is in the area of education, and several groups have stepped up to take on this huge challenge. Our role, a role which to date has not been addressed, is the practical hands-on outreach to those who already have HIV or AIDS and need help in the basics. Our plan to provide a daycare that will accept HIV+ children is not intended to further isoalte them. On the contrary, our hope is to provide an example and offer training to existing day cares so that, in the future, a home such as our will not be necessary.

On the streets, we often bring our friends outside of their regular hang-out spots. Having heard from police and passers-by time and again of their worthlessness, these kids often stick together and become more and more alienated from the rest of society. It is only through challenging this trend, no matter what the reaction of others, that we will see a change in attitude towards a problem that is only growing.

There is so much to do in Bolivia to help children who face discrimination every day of their lives, but it is not impossible. Working together to provide models of acceptance and integration, both in our lives and the projects we run, is a good first step.