Fundacion Helping Hands - La Paz (Bolivia)
wird verwaltet von L. Zarate
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Über uns
The Fundacion Helping Hands - La Paz (Bolivia) became an official organization in October 2014. At that time it took over the running of the Helping Hands Project that had been run since 2004 by two volunteers, Linda Zarate and Marion Ibañez. The mission of our organization is to open educational opportunities to Bolivian youth of very limited economic resources. We receive many young people from local orphanages and other projects for youth at risk.
This year, 2015, we support the studies of 90 students, both girls and boys, mainly in post-secondary programmes of study in technical institutes and in local universities. We sometimes assist high school students to finish their high school diploma. At the moment we have 7 students in high school.
Besides the assistance we give to our students for the payment of universities fees, transportation, rent, food or school materials, we also provide free medical and dental care. To encourage integral personal development for the students we have obligatory monthly meetings with guest speakers who can give orientation and information to the students on such topics as responsibility, personal care, reproductive and sexual health, environmental concerns, Human Rights, and citizenship. In our office we provide computers and internet for the use of the students and the option to print out school assignments.
Our Social Worker makes home visits to new students and repeat visits whenever the need arises. She also helps to organize social events in the office for healthy recreation for the students. A good part of our mission is to broaden the horizons of our young people and help them realize their dreams of a better future.
The Helping Hands Project was originally run only by two volunteers, but the Project has grown to the point that we now employ an Assistant Director, a Social Worker, an Auxiliary Accountant and a Messenger. Our staff spends a lot of personal time with our students and keeps the students up to date on the monthly requirements they must fulfill for the Project, such as medical checkups, dental checkups, communication with sponsors, presentation of grades, etc.
2015 has been a challenging year for Helping Hands as our official status requires much more paperwork and fulfillment of government requirements and reports. However with our staff additions we are able to meet these demands.
The Fundacion Helping Hands- La Paz (Bolivia) is looking forward to many years of helping underprivileged Bolivia youth become professionals and productive citizens thereby breaking the cycle of poverty, giving their families a more sustainable future.
This organisation cooperates with the Maecenata Foundation:
https://support.betterplace.org/hc/de/articles/6106004149404-Was-ist-Maecenata-
Letzte Projektneuigkeit
Helping Hands Newsletter October to December 2025
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ROSA: TURNING EDUCATION INTO OPPORTUNITY
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At this time, we are pleased to highlight our former student Rosa, whose academic and professional journey reflects the impact of sustained support and personal determination. During her years of study, Rosa received essential assistance from the Helping Hands Foundation, including monthly university tuition payments and support during her graduation process. She studied Public Accounting at the Universidad Tecnológica Boliviana (UTB), completing the five-year program successfully. Helping Hands supported Rosa from 2017 to 2021, accompanying her throughout a key stage of her education and professional development.Rosa shares her experience in her own words: “Without the support of Helping Hands, I truly believe I would not have achieved my professional goals. Beyond the financial assistance, the moral support and trust I received changed my life and also the life of my daughter. When I arrived at the Foundation, I did not have clear goals or direction, but today I feel confident and proud of the profession I have achieved.”She also adds: “Currently, I am working at a company where I am responsible for the exports area, applying everything I learned during my studies. The company produces handmade crafts created by a group of women who were previously victims of gender-based violence, and being part of this work is very meaningful to me. Looking ahead, I want to continue specializing in different areas of my profession in order to expand my knowledge, and to support my daughter as she finishes high school. I am deeply grateful to everyone who believed in me and helped me build a strong foundation for my future.”
MEET OUR GRADUATES
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Lizbeth graduated as a Tecnico Superior in Nursing from the Instituto Tecnico En Salud Santa Rita. She is already working as a nurse, providing care for an elderly woman. Looking ahead, Lizbeth plans to continue her studies at a university, where she hopes to transfer credits and pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.Yessica graduated as a Tecnico Superior in Nursing from the Sagrado Corazón Institute. At present, she is seeking additional training courses to complement her education and aims to enter the workforce as soon as possible in order to gain professional experience.Daniel and Deivis, twins, graduated from high school in the high-altitude community where they were born and raised. They plan to complete their mandatory military service in 2026.Carolay graduated from the Public University of El Alto city with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She is very grateful for the opportunity to complete her studies and is currently looking for a position in an educational institution where she can begin practicing her profession.Maycol and Cristhian graduated from high school in a rural community called Sorata. Maycol plans to study Nursing at the Universidad Catolica of Sorata and is currently preparing for the university entrance exam. Cristhian plans to work while studying Public Accounting at the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, where he will take his entrance exam in January.
OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
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Each year, we host our Christmas party, a special celebration to give our students a joyful way to close the year and enjoy time together with their families. This event was filled with laughter, music, and a strong sense of community after months of hard work and dedication. It offered everyone a chance to relax, honor their accomplishments, and share a beautiful moment full of Christmas cheer, happiness, and hope.The party was bursting with talent and excitement! Our students wowed the audience with dance performances, heartfelt poetry, singing, instrumental music, and even a lively karaoke session that brought smiles, applause, and pure joy. Everyone also savored delicious treats, including hot chocolate, panettone, cookies, and other sweet delights, adding warmth and festivity to the celebration.The highlight of the day came at the end with our eagerly awaited raffle. Many attendees won amazing prizes, creating a buzz of excitement, laughter, and happiness throughout the room.This unforgettable Christmas celebration was made possible thanks to the dedication and love of our Foundation team, along with the generous support of our sponsors, donors, and partners, who help make moments like this a reality year after year.
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We invite you to join us in making a difference by supporting our two projects on GlobalGiving. Your donation, no matter the size, will help transform lives and create brighter futures. Every contribution directly impacts students by providing education, essential resources, and opportunities for a better tomorrow.Each contribution will help us continue our work in 2026, allowing us to support our students as they pursue their education, strengthen our programs, and expand opportunities that create lasting change. Together, we can empower individuals and strengthen communities.Visit our GlobalGiving page to learn more about our initiatives and how you can be part of this incredible journey. Remember, every donation counts, your generosity truly makes all the difference. Thank you for considering this meaningful way to give back.Donations are always welcome for our two projects, which you can visit below, to ensure our students continue their education in 2026 and beyond.
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BRAIN AND COFFEE, EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE FOR ADULT LIFEhttps://betterplace-assets.betterplace.org/uploads/project/image/000/007/921/377322/limit_600x450_image.jpeg
In October, our university and technical students took part in a meaningful Emotional Intelligence Workshop facilitated by our psychologists, Vivi and Yamile. This enriching session created a space for learning, reflection, and personal growth.Throughout the workshop, students discussed essential topics such as identifying and managing emotions, the value of surrounding ourselves with positive and supportive people, and strengthening emotional awareness in everyday life.By engaging in dynamic and participatory activities, students were encouraged to reflect on how emotions are expressed, understood, and shared within the Helping Hands Foundation community.
NETWORKS AND REALITY: WHO AM I IN THE DIGITAL WORLD?
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In November, our high school students participated in an engaging workshop led by our psychologists Viviana and Yamile. The session invited students to think critically about their identity and responsibilities in today’s digital age.During the workshop, students discussed both the benefits and challenges of social media, addressing issues such as cyberbullying, online safety and privacy, and the risk of digital dependency. At the same time, they explored how social networks can be positive tools when used to build community, share ideas, and connect around common interests.Through interactive and enjoyable activities, students learned how to use social media in a more mindful, responsible, and constructive way, turning digital spaces into opportunities for personal growth. https://betterplace-assets.betterplace.org/uploads/project/image/000/007/921/377326/limit_600x450_image.jpg
