Reports on Support 125 children at Refugio Rafael in Bolivia

Project Report | Jun 2, 2025
Steps in a New and Positive Direction

By Connie De Jong | Project Leader

The Little School

We are excited to share with you the inspiring progress made by Fundación Ayllu so far this year. This report offers a heartfelt glimpse into the activities and efforts that have touched the lives of many families in the Marquina community. It highlights the progress made across various community support programs, including food distribution, educational reinforcement, vocational training, and agricultural projects. These initiatives are aimed at empowering vulnerable families in the Marquina community by improving access to education, nutrition, and income-generating opportunities. We deeply appreciate the support of our donors, whose contributions continue to make this work possible.

THE LITTLE SCHOOL (educational support)

Started in March, in collaboration with students from the Sayarinapaj Institute completing their 180-hour academic internships. Support included help with homework, workshops for the children, and birthday celebrations to enhance learning and application at home.

On April 12 and 19, children were celebrated thanks to two organizations that invited 90 kids aged 6–12. Recreational activities, videos, snacks, and prizes were prepared for each child.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION (Food Bank)

Food distribution continued for five months as planned, supporting vulnerable families with low-cost goods that help meet their household needs.

Children of these families were also treated to a celebration for Children's Day. Mothers received training workshops on topics such as family bonds, effective communication, and family roles.

SEWING WORKSHOP (entrepreneurship)

The workshop continued from December with Ms. Sulma Ramírez and the social support team. It concluded in May with the April classes. Sulma stepped down to pursue new opportunities and submitted her final reports and receipts.

In May, a new instructor, Ms. Tania Rodríguez Montalvo, took over. She presented her qualifications and a business plan. The program continues with 9 students, both new and returning.

BAKING WORKSHOP (entrepreneurship)

Started in March, this initiative aims to help Marquina residents start their own baking businesses and improve their family income.

AGRICULTURAL PROJECTS

Guinea pig, chicken, and green fodder farm:
After completing training with Mano a Mano Foundation, infrastructure construction began with Mr. Ernesto's help. One family is already committed, and full operations are expected in a month.

Lettuce Hydroponics Project:
Planned with Mr. Juan Carlos from Mano a Mano, who visited and assessed the land. Although guidance and blueprints were provided, the project was not executed due to budget limitations. However, the necessary plans are available for future cost estimations.

As we develop each of these training opportunties, we are honing the mission to support independence through housing and the wrap around services families need to own their own property. With deepest gratitude to our donors, we believe this community can become a model area for independence and prosperity for those facing the greatest challenges.

Chicken and Guinea Pig Growing House

Sewing class

Parenting Class

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Jan 30, 2025
Refugio Rafael: Creating Sustainable Change through the Ripple Effect

By Connie De Jong | Project Leader

Refugio Rafael is at a pivotal moment of growth, transitioning into a stronger focus on training and educational programs, including essential life skills. By empowering individuals with knowledge and skills, our project fosters a ripple effect—where benefits extend beyond the direct participants, strengthening families, businesses, and the broader community of Marquina. This report highlights how our initiatives contribute to sustainable change and community development.

The Ripple Effect in Action

Our project started with a small group of families and has now expanded to reach the entire community through diverse and impactful programs. The ripple effect is evident in how individuals who gain new skills pass on their knowledge, generate income, and create new opportunities for themselves and others. Here are some key areas where this transformation is taking place:

Sewing Training Program

Launch and Impact: In December 2024, we initiated a sewing class led by a skilled member of our handcrafting group. She is compensated with a new sewing machine to support her growing business.
Empowering Women: Ten women enrolled in the course, and several have already sold items they created, generating income for their families.
Sustaining the Program: Due to high demand, we plan to acquire an overlock machine and expand course offerings in 2025.

Agricultural Training at Mano a Mano Facility

Hands-on Learning: Community members are gaining knowledge in microgreens cultivation, composting, hydroponics, and animal husbandry.
Food Security & Income Generation: These skills enable participants to grow food for personal consumption and sale, improving nutrition and economic stability.

Upcoming Bakery & Culinary Courses

Starting in March: A bakery course will launch, followed by international and local cooking classes later in the year.
Economic Opportunities: These classes provide community members with practical skills that can be used for employment or entrepreneurship.

Handcraft Production & Economic Sustainability

Ongoing Initiative: Our handcraft program continues to support artisans by providing a market for their products.
Global Support: "Forever Flowers" can be purchased through World Peaces at www.worldpeaces.com, helping sustain our artisans and their families.

Food Security and Educational Support

Banco de Alimentos Partnership: We continue to distribute food to families in need, ensuring basic sustenance for the most vulnerable.
Afterschool Program: Reopening in March 2025, this initiative provides children with a safe space for learning and growth.
Educational Scholarships: This year, we will support:
- Three young people in their post-secondary studies.
- Five children entering school for the first time.
- Several children boarding at a local institution, enabling their mothers to work while ensuring a stable educational environment.

Building a Sustainable Future

Refugio Rafael’s programs are designed to create long-term impact by equipping individuals with practical skills that foster independence. As participants develop self-sufficiency, they, in turn, influence their families and communities—multiplying the benefits beyond the initial training.

Expanding Our Reach

With our growing initiatives, we expect to support over 150 families and impact more than 500 individuals in 2025. By nurturing skills, education, and economic opportunities, we are laying the foundation for lasting prosperity in Marquina and beyond.

Conclusion

Through training programs, food security initiatives, and educational support, Refugio Rafael is catalyzing positive change. The ripple effect of our work ensures that knowledge, resources, and opportunities continue to spread, building a resilient and thriving community for generations to come.

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Sep 20, 2024
Supporting children and families

By Connie De Jong and Aleida Poma | Project Leader

Based on the goal of ensuring family integration, to date, 10 single-parent families have been accommodated, characterized by their vulnerability due to the absence of the father through death or abandonment, leaving the mother and children in economic and emotional uncertainty and instability. As a result, by finding refuge at the Rafael Shelter, they were able to find some relief and glimpse rays of hope to face the adversities of life. As of now, 8 families have left the Shelter, with families number 7 and 8 departing in February of the current year, being part of the group of external single-parent families receiving follow-up from the Foundation. Currently, there are 2 families in the shelter.

Microenterprises

Reflecting on the various initiatives to encourage families to engage in productive areas such as bakery, agriculture, jewelry, and sheep wool crafts, it becomes evident how crucial this sector is, as it provides a source of income for families who feel they have no other way to support their basic needs. This allows them to experience the satisfaction of seeing themselves as providers. It is important to continue promoting entrepreneurship according to each person’s skills and interests.

Currently, there is a microenterprise focusing on sheep wool crafts, which is an interesting and motivating activity that brings together several women of different ages to share life experiences while working with initiative and creativity.

The Little School

Since this program started at the beginning of the Foundation’s activities, it is important to highlight the significant role it plays in the families of the surrounding community. It serves as a center where they can receive support with their schoolwork and find a social environment where they can make friends of various ages, including educators and volunteers who provide emotional and spiritual support.

To date, the group consists of 60 children and adolescents aged 5 to 16 who attend the Little School to receive educational support and enjoy time spent sharing snacks, playing, and celebrating monthly birthdays, among other activities. The importance of workshops on various everyday topics, such as Personal Care, Hygiene Habits, Values, Recycling, Sexual Education, and similar subjects, is emphasized. Short courses during vacation times, such as Knitting, Embroidery, Baking, and Literacy, as well as the current English course, are also offered.

Product Distribution

The past two years have provided a great opportunity to act as a bridge between the Foundation and the families in our community. This has allowed for the delivery of a variety of products with minimal logistical costs, contributing to the fight against hunger in support of the families at the Rafael Shelter, the mothers of the children in the Little School program, and others in the surrounding areas.

CONCLUSIONS

The importance of support networks with institutions aligned with our goals is highlighted, such as:

Sayarinapaj Foundation: Provides an average of 6 social work interns per year who assist with school support, home visits, and product distribution.
Bolivian Food Bank Foundation: Supplies a range of products weekly for distribution to 130 families from the Shelter, the Little School, and the surrounding population. They also facilitate access to accident insurance for our shelter children for a year and offer recreational activities on special occasions, such as Children’s Day, where 90 of our children enjoy fun activities.
Smile Forever Foundation: Provides timely free dental care to Shelter families and extends its pilot dental care program to children in 3 grades at the Marquina Educational Unit.
Imillaskates: Organizes a recreational afternoon teaching skateboard use and acts as a channel for donating clothing and toys to families benefiting from our various programs.
Reformed Baptist Church Grace and Truth: Supports spiritual education with Friday night services attended by Shelter families and local children. They also organize activities, including a Vacation Bible School day and a week of Happy Hour with missionaries from Libopen.