Greetings from Bolivia!

About a year ago, as I was discerning whether to continue my journey with Maryknoll Lay Missioners, I felt a strong desire to accompany the poorest Bolivians—especially vulnerable mothers and children who are so often victims of domestic and structural violence. Providentially, I met a local psychologist, Rosse Mary Mirinda, who has a long history of reaching out to the most marginalized people, especially children, in her community of Tiquipaya, a suburb of Cochabamba.

Through her, I met Lourdes, a mother of five children under the age of 10, living in extreme poverty with very few options to improve her life. Her partner, the father of her children, was prone to fits of violence and anger at their difficult situation, was known to physically abuse her, was rarely home, drank too much, and failed to provide enough money to adequately feed and clothe their children. Because Lourdes couldn’t afford childcare and had limited employment opportunities, she wasn’t able to earn any income beyond washing some neighbors’ clothes.

Touched by her story, the plight of her children, and Rosse Mary’s passion to help families like Lourdes’s, I felt God’s call to respond and join Rosse Mary in building something that could truly make a difference.

Last February, Rosse Mary found a large apartment in the heart of Tiquipaya with adequate space for us to embark on a six-month pilot project, which she named Yanapanakuna, a Quechua term meaning “we will help each other.” The word is used by Indigenous communities to express a space or environment where people advance together by mutual support.

Our plan was to use the space to offer an after-school program for children from the most desperate family situations; hold workshops and counseling sessions to improve family dynamics; and assist with the difficult economic realities these families face. The mission of the center is to “promote spaces of safety, learning, and mutual support for mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons in contexts of risk, strengthening their emotional, parental, and community skills for a dignified life free of violence.”

By all accounts, the six-month pilot program was a success! We admitted our maximum of 15 children to the after-school program, including the four oldest of Lourdes’s five children. Their parents, guardians, and teachers have expressed deep appreciation for the support we offer and have noted real improvements in the children’s math, reading, and writing skills, as well as in their social skills. Many problem behaviors have been greatly reduced or eliminated. The children are more focused at school, more helpful to their caregivers, and more confident in their interactions with others. Family dynamics have also improved through therapy sessions, education, and an intensive focus on the challenges that keep families from improving their economic stability.

For Lourdes and her children, their story is the most heartwarming to me. To help Lourdes earn her own income and gain more control over her life, we provided a food cart that she now uses to sell food on the street. She has been able to significantly increase her income, relieving much of the stress she had been carrying.

We also admitted her four oldest children into the after-school program, which not only focuses on cognitive development and homework support but also addresses psychological, social, health, and spiritual needs. Almost immediately, reports from their teachers reached us. Seven-year-old Keyla, who had been unfocused, disruptive in class, and struggled to complete her homework, has had an almost complete turnaround. Ten-year-old Emily, who was extremely timid, shy, and had difficulty expressing her thoughts, has blossomed into a happier, more confident, and self-possessed young girl.

However, the most surprising and gratifying transformation has been that of the children’s father. He has changed from an angry, abusive, absent parent into a concerned father and helpful partner to Lourdes. He is now in daily contact with Rosse Mary about the children’s school progress and behavior, has received counseling for his anger issues, and is fully engaged in the well-being of his family.

I want to thank all of you who made this project a reality through your donations, prayers, and support. In 2026, we hope to double our capacity in the after-school program from 15 to 30 children, as we already have a waiting list of at least 40 more children who meet our criteria. If you can donate financially toward this expansion, we would be deeply grateful. However, what we need most are your prayers—especially that we may find a suitable space to make this growth possible.

Many thanks, and may God bless you!
Louise

Please consider supporting my mission work in Cochabamba with a donation through the link below.

I invite you to walk with me as a “COMPANION IN MISSION.” Companions in Mission are friends and generous donors who give financial gifts on a regular (usually monthly) basis. For more information, visit Become a Companion in Mission. Thank you so much for your generosity!