By Linda Zarate | Director
MARÍA ISABEL AND IVETTE: FROM HELPING HANDS TO HEALING HANDS
Ivette and Maria Isabel, once students of the Fundación Helping Hands, have transformed their lives and now contribute to their community as dedicated professionals at the Clínica Los Andes. Their inspiring journey exemplifies the impact of support and determination.
Maria Isabel, a former student of the Helping Hands Foundation, graduated with a degree in Nursing from the Universidad Central of La Paz. Now, she is a dedicated nurse at the Los Andes Clinic for the last 11 years. Married and a proud mother of a beautiful 6-year-old daughter, Maria Isabel reflects on her journey, saying,"I am very grateful for the support from Helping Hands because, without all of your help, it wouldn't have been possible for me to become a professional and have this stable job. I can give my daughter a better life and I am also in the process of building my own house." Her story is a testament to the life-changing impact of education and support.
Ivette, a former student of the Fundación Helping Hands, studied Pharmacy at UDABOL University. She also works at the Clínica Los Andes, within the Embriovid group, in the Pharmacy area. Ivette's future plans include owning her own pharmacy and pursuing a specialization abroad. Reflecting on her journey, Ivette says, "Helping Hands was the best thing that could have happened to me during the worst time of my life when I felt I couldn't finish my degree due to financial constraints. Helping Hands opened doors, filled me with hope and tranquility, and I found a second family. It made me believe that there's always a path to follow and to have faith in all the good things God provides. Thank you all!"
BALANCING DREAMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: HELPING HANDS YOUTH
Students from the Fundación Helping Hands Foundation demonstrate remarkable resilience as they juggle education and work. These dedicated technical and university students take on various jobs, such as working in clothing stores, candy shops, auto repair workshops, supermarkets and much more. Their earnings help cover essential expenses like food and clothing. Despite the demanding schedule, they strive to fulfill their responsibilities and pursue their dreams. Their commitment to both their studies and jobs reflects their determination to earn a degree and build a brighter future. The students’ hard work and perseverance serve as an inspiring example of dedication and ambition.
GALILEA: CAPTURING STORIES WITH HELPING HANDS
Galilea, a passionate film student from Colorado, is interning with Helping Hands from June to August. Using her cinematography skills, she recently produced a compelling interview video featuring one of our students for a GlobalGiving campaign. Her creative vision and dedication have brought the student's story to life, highlighting the impact of our work. Galilea plans to create another video, continuing to share powerful narratives that inspire and engage our global community. Check out the video at: Meet Arminda
EMPOWERING LIVES: MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Twice a year, our students embark on a volunteer journey, touching lives across Bolivia. They did a wide range of activities, each a valuable learning experience. They provided crucial academic support to children in need, ensuring they received the help necessary to excel in school. Compassion extended to the streets, where students offered hot tea and sandwiches to the homeless, bringing hope to those in dire situations.
Green areas will flourish as volunteers engaged in environmental clean-up and crafted signs promoting environmental care. Two girls donated blood, a gift of life, and another administered vaccine to prevent diphtheria and tetanus, safeguarding communities' health. Additionally, several of our students worked as volunteers with the 2024 population census in Bolivia, contributing valuable data for national development.
Through these selfless acts, our students learned invaluable lessons in generosity and altruism, discovering the profound joy of changing lives and building a better future for their communities.
Thanks a million for helping us reach our Bonus Day goal on GlobalGiving this year, enabling our youth to graduate and obtain their professional degrees. Thanks for your valuable support.
We deeply appreciate the help for our vulnerable youth to continue their studies, achieve their dreams, and meet their goals, making the world a better place.
Donations are always welcome for our two projects, which you can visit below, to ensure our students continue their educations.
EMPOWERING YOUTH: "MY BODY, MY HEALTH, MY LIFE"
In April, Andrea, Project Manager for Sexual and Reproductive Justice at Marie Stopes, recently conducted an enlightening workshop "My Body, My Health, My Life." This initiative aimed to educate elementary and high school students, ages 12 to 18, on essential topics of sexual education. The workshop covered vital aspects of body awareness, health, and personal autonomy, providing the youth with knowledge to make informed decisions about their bodies and lives. Andrea's engaging approach ensured an interactive learning environment, empowering young participants to understand and appreciate their health and well-being.
NURTURING RELATIONSHIPS: STRENGTHENING VALUES THROUGH ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
In May, psychologists Viviana and Yamila conducted an engaging workshop titled "Strengthening Values through Assertive Communication" for technical and university students. This dynamic session focused on the importance of assertive communication in building and maintaining healthy relationships. Through interactive activities, participants learned key strategies for effective communication, enhancing their ability to express themselves clearly and confidently. The workshop emphasized the role of mutual respect and understanding in fostering strong values and positive connections. Attendees left with valuable insights and practical tools to improve their interpersonal skills and cultivate nourishing relationships in their academic and personal lives.
BUILDING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS: A WORKSHOP ON ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
In June, Viviana and Yamila conducted, once again, a workshop on "Nurturing Relationships and Assertive Communication" for elementary and high school students. This workshop was filled with interactive activities aimed at teaching youth the importance of effective communication. Participants learned how to express themselves clearly and listen actively, fostering healthier and more supportive relationships. The hands-on exercises and role-playing scenarios made the learning process fun and impactful, helping children to internalize these essential skills for their personal development and social interactions. This workshop is a vital step in nurturing well-rounded, communicative, and empathetic young individuals.
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