Yatiyaña de Bolivia

1995: school supplies for 10 villages in Bolivia

There are school necessities, such as, paper, pens, color pencils, markers, glue, rulers, pencil sharperners, etc. that are handed out.

These supplies were destined for 10 villages' elementary schools in Bolivia (Copusquia, San José de Chipo, Umapujo, Quirawaya, Surani, Parety, Achicoya, San Pablo, Quisani en Jawira).

In total, there were enough school supplies for 700 students.

This action is recorded in the documentary from Johan van der Keuken. The title of the film is Amsterdam Global Village and has been shown in film theaters as well as on television.

1995: sinks for women to wash clothes

10 sinks were made at different locations on the river to make it easier for women to wash their clothes.

1997: water supply for the village San José de Chipo

San José de Chipo had no water supply. Inhabitants had to walk half an hour to the river to get their water.

Presently, there are 42 faucets, 40 for the houses, one for the elementary school, and one for the community center.

Every family now has a water faucet. Apart from personal use (food preparation , washing, etc.) the water is above all also used for irrigation of the agricultural/ farm land.

1998: sun panels for school and community center

The school and community center of San José de Chipo both are equipped with sun panels so that electricity is available. The inhabitants do not have electricity but do have kerosene lamps.

2002/2004: construction of a road between Chajlaya and San José de Chipo

In the past, a truck drove once a week from La Paz to Copusquia. This travel took about 12 hours because the truck had to cover a very long route. The road was in very bad condition; there were many stones on the sand paths. Almost always, the truck would break down.

Nowadays, the travel time takes about 5 or 6 hours. They have made a direct connection between Chajlaya and San José de Chipo. Furthermore, a bus drives on this route.

This year and next year, we will be busy with an action to find different instruments for 10 schools. The original music in this region is disappearing. The sheep herders walk around nowadays with radio- casssette recorders playing modern music. In the past, they walked around with different sorts of bamboo flutes. The present youth knows nothing about the original music and dances from this region. The purpose is that all students receive music lessons using the typical musical instruments of these regions.

We want that our Aymara and Quetchua culture continues to exist.

If you would like to support us financially, then you can contact us or deposit your contribution to giro number 6802581 (instruments for schools in Bolivia).