"If anybody is looking for a place to volunteer in South America, look no further than Proyecto!" - Kathryn, United States

My final day of volunteering has come to a close and I leave for the United States tomorrow night. But before I finish this journey, I wanted to write one more post about the amazing organization that I have been volunteering for. 

That organization is Proyecto Horizonte located in Ushpa-Ushpa. They focus on healthcare, education, and local development.  I have been working with the education aspect by teaching English classes at a local school to students between the ages of 11 and 17. What amazes me about Proyecto is their dedication to improving the lives of the people in the community.  They want everyone to be educated and not just on science and math but also on living a healthy lifestyle. I have enjoyed getting to know everyone that works in the physiological department, the youth club, and the educational department. 

Another aspect of Proyecto is the volunteers that work there. During my time here there have been volunteers from the United States, Cananda, Germany, England and Bolivia. Volunteers travel from all over the world to work with this organization. Some stay as long as a year, while others volunteer for the summer. Each person has a different story but also comes from a different culture. During one conversation I am likely to hear English, Spanish, and German. One of the things that I will also remember about Proyecto is the chance to meet people from all over the world. 

I loved Proyecto ever since reading about them online before I came and when I was talking to the volunteer coordinator.  Although my first two weeks in Bolivia were an adjustment, the people at Proyecto supported me every step of the way.  Because of this organization, I have been able to learn about and appreciate the culture of Bolivia. If anybody is looking for a place to volunteer in South America,  look no further than Proyecto. Just do me a favor and know more about Bolivia and the city of Cochabamba than I did to try and prevent culture shock. 
The link to their website is below if anybody is looking for more information about this amazing organization. The website has information about volunteering, donating, or buying products from the local women's group. Feel free to email me or let me know if you have any questions as well!
http://www.ushpa-ushpa.com/

- Kathryn, United States

Celebrating Proyecto Horizonte through Food, Film, Friends & Art

Last weekend, I co-hosted my first Proyecto Horizonte charity event.  One of my friends in Seattle started the Charity Film & Food group, where he encourages his friends to do what they love once a month while sharing their passion for a cause.  This month, seventeen of us celebrated and contributed to Proyecto Horizonte.  Our small group gathered to enjoy delicious food with everything from burritos, to homemade empanadas (salteñas) to chips, salsa and more.  We also shared our happiness through art and watched a movie.  I provided watercolor paper and a variety of pens, pencils, and paints for anyone to use.  The goal was to illustrate, “what makes you happy” and share it with Proyecto Horizonte as a part of the organization’s 10-year anniversary campaign.

After we had eaten, conversed, and the majority of friends had arrived, I gave everyone an overview of Proyecto Horizonte.  To begin, I explained why Proyecto Horizonte is my charity of choice and shared my experience onsite in 2012 during my backpacking trip throughout South America, as well as my continued remote support.  In Bolivia, I tutored in the school and helped with marketing materials for Tantakuna women’s group.  Since then, I’ve provided event support, translation, and editing.  I then explained Proyecto Horizonte’s holistic approach and goals of community sustainability and showed them a short video presented at Latin Finance Awards in January, “What Do You Think of Proyecto Horizonte?”, a video which showcases students, parents, and volunteers (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QsBB8avzvE).  

We then settled in to watched “Once”, a contemplative film that emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities to fulfill your dreams, while supporting others’ dreams.  Then, we talked more about Proyecto Horizonte, discussed my and others’ adventures in South America, and made room for dessert.  At the end of the event, we posed for a few photos, highlighting the remainder of the group and the “Share You Happiness” art bulletin.  We plan to share this expression of our happiness with Proyecto Horizonte as a part of the 10-year anniversary and happiness campaign.

By the end of the evening, we felt more united and were satisfied with our small, but impactful event.  Together, we raised $280 for Proyecto Horizonte - enough to cover a teacher’s salary for a month. Just think of what a difference we could make if all friends joined each month to support a cause like Proyecto Horizonte!

Ashley Lacy, Volunteer

Seattle, USA