Who said research can't be fun? I was forced to get on a swing and subsequently pushed by a eleven year old girl for a good 10 minutes. I think she knew I needed a break. Amazing how perceptive they are!
Twelve Kids and a Bridge
For the last couple of days I have been hanging out with a couple of people I met through God ordained circumstances. Skip and Rehanna have a street ministry that very much reminds me of our early days back in Caracas with Niños de la Luz. Their ministry site is the street or a bridge … Continue reading Twelve Kids and a Bridge
Research during times of political struggle
A number of alarming events are currently unfolding in Bolivia. Many are grieving the situation and I certainly join them in this. Officially ten people have been killed on the Bolivian/Brazilian border in fighting between opponents and supporters of the president. While the country is officially in mourning, fighting continues and the government has recently … Continue reading Research during times of political struggle
Child-Based Leadership
Of all the experiences and discoveries I have been making here in Cochabamba, perhaps the most enlightening has been the place of child ambassadors. Each project that is affiliated with the Early Encounter Project (a city-wide strategy promoted by Viva, Toybox and 180 degrees), elects two children and one or more child leaders to represent … Continue reading Child-Based Leadership
Victimization and Resiliency
Of special interest to me recently is the issue of resiliency and a return to hope. Children who are at high risk are frequently objects of pity. They are looked upon as victims in need of being rescued. Indeed, frequently they are in need of just that. Children who are enslaved and exploited certainly deserve … Continue reading Victimization and Resiliency
NATS March for New Bolivian Constitution
Yesterday while doing the outreach at the outdoors market I was invited to participate in a NNATS (Niños, Niñas y Adolescentes Trabajadores) march in pro of the new Bolivian constitution currently being pushed for full aceptance in the country. The children and their sponsors are in support of it especially because of its strong language … Continue reading NATS March for New Bolivian Constitution
Protagonismo
Given I just brought up the issue of child protagonism in my previous post, thought I should add a few words about what I am discovering. Here's some thoughts on it: Within Latin American childcare organizations there have been recent discussions about a methodology called “protagonismo infantil.” The term, while unfamiliar to the English reader … Continue reading Protagonismo
6AM Soccer at 9,000 feet
Woke up this morning at 5:45AM to meet the street educator with Early Encounter Cochabamba. We met just a few blocks from where I am staying. I met up with him a little after 6AM. In getting to where he and the boys were, I walked through the market area where hundreds of children work … Continue reading 6AM Soccer at 9,000 feet
Sick in Cochabamba
Was sick most of the day yesterday, but was able to prepare a little for my upcoming visits and interviews. The afternoon was spent under covers with a fever, but I seem to be doing better today. It was probably the (if you are vegetarian don't read this) combination of animal parts from the night … Continue reading Sick in Cochabamba
Day 5 – A Bolivian Journal
While not filled with a lot of formal research, we were able to visit a girls home/church that is run by the Salvation Army. The girls at the project were precious. Could not help but think of my daughter, Kira, and how much I miss family. Perhaps it is because I have a girl or … Continue reading Day 5 – A Bolivian Journal
Development and Justice 