Volunteering and Internships in Social Work in Bolivia

A combination of poverty and cultural factors leads to a high incidence of domestic violence, family breakdowns, and alcohol and drug abuse in Bolivia. As a result, children, especially girls, adolescents, young adults, and families are at risk of neglect, poverty, and being unable to meet their basic needs. Many children and adolescents end up on the streets of Cochabamba, where they are exposed to dangers such as violence, exploitation, sexual abuse, contact with criminal gangs, drugs, and health risks.

We can facilitate internships and volunteer work in social work, psychology, education, and related fields at the following social work organizations in Cochabamba.

Mosoj Yan – Supporting Girls from Difficult Backgrounds

The organization Mosoj Yan, which means "New Path" in Quechua, is dedicated to the protection and positive development of girls from difficult backgrounds. Mosoj Yan is a non-profit organization that has been active in Bolivia since 1991. To support girls, Mosoj Yan follows a comprehensive model consisting of prevention, intervention, rehabilitation, and socio-family reintegration.

One target group consists of girls who have to financially support their families through small businesses, such as selling goods on the street. They spend many hours on the streets daily, so they lack the time to focus adequately on their education. Furthermore, by spending so much time on the street, they are exposed to dangers such as contact with criminal gangs, drugs, sexual abuse, and violence.

For these girls, Mosoj Yan offers an after-school youth club several afternoons a week, with educational activities to help the girls keep up with school. Additionally, there are courses in craft skills and group therapy sessions with Mosoj Yan's psychologist.

Many children who initially worked as small vendors on the street and came from broken families where they experienced physical and/or sexual violence decide at some point not to hand over the money they earned to their parents but to live on the streets instead. Many of them are single teenage mothers living on the street with their children and consuming alcohol and drugs. These individuals are referred to in Bolivia as "Cleferos" (glue sniffers). Mosoj Yan's goal here is to help them stop drug use and change their attitudes and behavior for the better.

For girls aged 10 to 18 living on the street, Mosoj Yan operates a shelter. These girls are often victims of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse and are no longer in contact with their families. Many of them already have children who live with them in the shelter. The goal of the facility is to prepare the girls to lead independent lives. There are vocational training courses, particularly in cooking, baking, and sewing, as well as support in finding a job, healthcare, and psychotherapeutic group support aimed at improving the emotional and personal development of the girls. The facility also teaches Christian values.

In addition, Mosoj Yan is active in violence prevention. The number of violent acts against children, adolescents, and women is very high in Bolivia. Domestic violence is common but often remains a societal taboo. Violence increases social risks for those affected: family breakdowns, addiction, prostitution, and a life on the streets are often the consequences. Mosoj Yan carries out various activities to raise awareness and promote consciousness. The organization works with secondary schools to inform about topics such as violence, bullying, drug and alcohol abuse, and HIV/AIDS. Mosoj Yan also collaborates with churches and other community actors to raise awareness of violence and effectively address it together.

Volunteer and Internship Activities:

• Teaching and tutoring using innovative, creative methods in the youth club
• Organizing workshops to promote physical, psychological, and emotional stability
• Developing and conducting activities in the areas of arts, music, theater, etc., to build self-esteem and encourage self-expression
• Conducting and passing on skills like cooking, baking, and handicrafts
• Taking care of the children of girls living in the shelter while the girls participate in educational activities and group therapy
• Teaching social skills
• Supporting organizational tasks
• Public awareness campaigns to raise awareness in society and fundraising for the organization’s continued existence (assisting with events and social media)
• Creating informational materials (flyers, videos, etc.)

At Mosoj Yan, alongside social workers, there is also a psychologist who can supervise internships for students of social work and psychology.

Estrellas en la Calle – Reintegration of Vulnerable Children into Society

Estrellas en la Calle is a private non-profit organization working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families who are in high-risk situations or already living on the streets in the city of Cochabamba (Bolivia).

With the goal of creating a safe and supportive environment, Estrellas en la Calle offers education, counseling, and reintegration programs. The organization not only addresses immediate needs like food, shelter, and healthcare but also focuses on long-term solutions. These include educational programs, vocational training, and counseling aimed at reintegrating children into society and promoting their independence. Every child is treated with dignity and provided with the tools to break the cycles of poverty and adverse life situations.

One of Estrellas en la Calle's initiatives is its educational program, which supports children and adolescents in returning to formal education or acquiring vocational skills. Many of the beneficiaries have missed years of schooling, which is why the organization offers tailored learning plans to help them catch up. Workshops on practical life skills such as financial literacy and conflict resolution are also part of the curriculum. The organization collaborates with local schools and institutions to ensure that these young people receive the diplomas and opportunities they need to lead successful lives.

Another essential aspect of the organization’s work is psychotherapy. Many children who live on the streets have experienced trauma, and Estrellas en la Calle offers psychological counseling and group therapy. These efforts are crucial in rebuilding self-esteem and trust. The organization also works with families to resolve underlying issues and facilitate reunification whenever possible. The aim is to ensure that children can return to a safer and more supportive home.

Volunteer and Internship Activities:

Volunteers and interns engage in a variety of activities, from mentoring and tutoring to organizing workshops and recreational activities. You can also contribute to the daily operations, such as preparing meals, distributing materials, and maintaining the facilities. Volunteers and interns with expertise in psychological counseling, teaching, or healthcare can apply their knowledge and skills. Additionally, the organization needs support with administrative tasks, fundraising efforts, and outreach programs.

At Estrellas en la Calle, alongside social workers, there is also a psychologist who can supervise internships for students in social work and psychology.