Provide Dental Care for 67,000 Bolivian Children!

Bolivia is a complex land from her barren highlands where food is hard to grow, to her breadbasket valleys and to her lowland tropical river valleys.  Bolivia is a land of many peoples and languages, of many customs where ancient ways meet and exist side by side with modern culture.  Beba, a much-loved part of our Cochabamba Smiles Forever administrative team shares her heart-felt joy and pride as we raise funds in Seattle to further our mission, which is now approaching 25 years of giving, learning and growing together.

 "BUENAS NOCHES A TODOS. YO COMPRENDO BASTANTE ESPAÑOL Y AHORA VOY A TRADUCIR LAS PALABRAS DE BIENVENIDA DE BEBA."

Welcome, dear friends of the Smiles Forever. It is a true pleasure to have you here tonight. My name is Amanda, though many know me as Beba. I am from Cochabamba, Bolivia, and I have the honor of being an active part of this foundation.

I met Sandy about 10 years ago when she was my Spanish student. From the very beginning, I admired her passion and commitment to this great work in my country. I never imagined that a Spanish class would “literally” connect me to her family and to this beautiful dream come true that is the Smiles Forever Foundation.

La fundación ha transformado mi vida de manera profunda. En Cochabamba, soy parte del equipo administrativo, gestionando y ejecutando proyectos tanto en la ciudad como en las áreas rurales.

En nuestra clínica dental, tengo el privilegio de convivir cada día con un grupo de mujeres excepcionales: las higienistas dentales formadas por Smiles Forever. Algunas de ellas llevan más de 20 años dedicadas a este proyecto, y dos han continuado sus estudios universitarios, convirtiéndose en nuestras dentistas. Estas mujeres son el corazón y la fuerza de la fundación, y me enorgullece ser el puente entre ellas y Sandy.

Translation:The foundation has profoundly transformed my life. In Cochabamba, I am part of the administrative team, managing and executing projects both in the city and rural areas.
At our dental clinic, I have the privilege of working daily with a group of exceptional women: the dental hygienists trained by Smiles Forever. Some of them have been dedicated to this project for over 20 years, and two have continued their university studies, becoming our dentists. These women are the heart and driving force of the foundation, and I am proud to be the bridge between them and Sandy.

Podría seguir hablando del impacto de Smiles Forever en Cochabamba y en Bolivia. Pero lo que más deseo compartir esta noche es lo que esta fundación ha significado para mí. Me ha ayudado a salir de mis rutinas, a abrir mis ojos, oídos y corazón para ver de cerca la realidad de mi país, y a crecer como persona. Gracias a Smiles Forever, he aprendido a reconocer la belleza y la dignidad de tantas mujeres y niños que luchan no solo por una sonrisa en sus rostros, sino también en sus corazones.

Translation: I could continue talking about the impact of Smiles Forever in Cochabamba and Bolivia. But what I most want to share tonight is what this foundation has meant to me. It has helped me break away from my routines, to open my eyes, ears, and heart to see my country’s reality up close, and to grow as a person. Thanks to Smiles Forever, I have learned to recognize the beauty and dignity of so many women and children who fight not only for a smile on their faces but also in their hearts.

Una de las mayores satisfacciones para nuestro equipo es recibir el cariño y el agradecimiento de las personas que apoyamos. Ese reconocimiento nos muestra que nuestro trabajo tiene un impacto real en sus vidas. También sabemos que no estamos solos en esta labor. Ustedes, los benefactores, aunque muchas veces prefieren mantenerse en el anonimato, lo hacen desde el corazón. Gracias a su generosidad y apoyo, podemos seguir adelante, brindando sonrisas y esperanza a quienes más lo necesitan.

Translation:One of the greatest satisfactions for our team is receiving the love and gratitude of the people we support. That recognition shows us that our work has a real impact on their lives. We also know that we are not alone in this mission. You, the benefactors, though often anonymous, give from the heart. Thanks to your generosity and support, we can continue moving forward, bringing smiles and hope to those who need it most.

Deseo de todo corazón que el próximo año podamos estar aquí celebrando juntos un cuarto de siglo de amor, trabajo y sonrisas compartidas. "AND BEFORE I GO, LET ME SAY: THANK YOU AGAIN FOR BEING HERE, AND ENJOY THIS 'FIESTA!

Translation: I wholeheartedly hope that next year we can be here celebrating together a quarter of a century of love, work, and shared smiles. "Y ANTES DE DESPEDIRME, QUIERO  DECIR NUEVAMENTE: GRACIAS POR ESTAR AQUÍ Y DISFRUTEN DE ESTA FIESTA!"

This year holds such a delightful series of new experiences at Refugio Rafael, and we are thrilled to share our progress with you. While Fundación Ayllu has been working in the Marquina through 2 central programs, including educational support for school aged children and transitional housing for single parents, we are now moving into programming that focuses on education and training for the entire family and community members of all ages. With changes in the community, we are responding to the needs surfacing as migration continues to expand the urbanization of the area. This process continues to put pressure on its inhabitants, both those who are new community members and those longer established, to adapt their skills to the changing social and economic landscape. We are taking advantage of 2024 to collect the new concerns of community members, pilot new training and educational programming, and adapt our buildings and administration to these new needs. This report includes a few of the highlights as we begin this transition process.

• Leaders from the 254 Youth Center in Gahanna, Ohio, USA traveled to Bolivia to explore the idea of creating a "sister center" relationship with Refugio Rafael. The leaders volunteered in "La escuelita," got to know the families, helped distribute Food Bank donations, played and worked and enjoyed their experience. As a result of this trip, "La escuelita" established a new computer lab and high school aged students are engaging in a weekly practice of exchanging phrases in English and Spanish to develop skills in each others' languages through zoom. The 254 plans to return both as a leadership group and with youth in the coming year.
• The relationship with the "Banco de Alimentos" or Food Bank has deepened and we continue to support distribution of rescued food and supplies for 80-100 families in the community. These families also gather to learn about current programming with Refugio Rafael and gain access to services.
• A day of entertainment at Univalle for 85 young people to introduce students to the university environment and engage with university aged students.
• A day of workshop with the women of Imillaskate who encourage everyone to embrace their traditional dress and culture and be brave skateboarders!
• A continuation and expansion of partner programming with Smiles Forever, offering dental care to children in the region.
• Addition of a social worker and psychologist in service of supporting the remaining families in transitional housing. 
• Expansion of the handcraft programming as products gain popularity, more women are able to integrate into the group.
• Exploration of partnerships and training opportunities for children, youth and adults in service of wellness, economic prosperity and happiness.

Our partnership between GlobalGiving vetted organizations is strong and together we thank you for your continued support of the children and families in the Marquina area. We look forward to sharing more information about training and education opportunities as they arise and become formalized into our model.