My Experience at Proyecto Horizonte

My family in Bolivia (at an international fair at a local university)

I'm traveling around South America for six months and as part of my experience, I wanted to volunteer at a non-profit organization so that I could become more connected with a small community, better understand their needs and see how the organization meets those needs.  Since I am only traveling for a short time, I decided to complete one month at Proyecto Horizonte.  I learned about the organization, worked with the volunteers, contributed to the women's group, Tantakuna, (micro enterprises comprised of artisans, a bakery, and kiosks) and helped with written text and brochures.  I also worked daily in the school through assisting children with homework, studies, and provided focused attention to a few students.  I participated in events such as Dia del Niño, the biannual staff and volunteer excursion, and the monthly soccer tournament for about 70 children.  I think the ideal situation would be to volunteer longer, at least two to three months, so that the volunteer could have more time to understand the organization and contribute to its efforts.

Team Uruguay, at the monthly soccer tournament

As a part of my life in Bolivia, I also decided to stay with a family.  I highly recommend this as you not only get to practice your Spanish, but instantly belong to a group of caring individuals.  Additionally, my host mom was an incredible cook and she and her son invited me to fairs, the movies, and birthday parties.  In this way, I got to know the entire family and better understand the Bolivian culture.

My favorite part was understanding and experiencing how Proyecto Horizonte positively affects the
community, especially through my work with children and through interviews with the women's group, Tantakuna.  The interviews go toward creating bios for
each woman, material that will be used to share their stories and market their work.  I felt like my work was valuable and although small, contributed to a larger whole, which was improving the lives of those who live in the community of Ushpa Ushpa.

Even though my month has come to an end, I plan to continue supporting this community through volunteering from a distance and through sharing its story and work.

Some of the students I worked with at Proyecto Horizonte.The teacher I assisted bought a cake for my last day and the entire class joined in the celebration.