About Bolivia
Bolivia
Bolivia, a beautiful and versatile country in the heart of South America, is - with almost 8 million inhabitants - one of the poorest countries in the world. Particularly the social system, but also the health- and education-system have many major flaws. While the situation improved at the beginning of the 1990s the country suffers much, especially hitting the Bolivian youths, making up half of the population. The average live-expectancy is 59 years. The minimum wage, not even attainable for many, is 434.-Bolivianos (about 42.- €).
La Paz
La Paz - together with "El Alto" - has about 1.8 million inhabitants. About 30.000 children have to earn their money as shoe-shiners, sweet sellers, bin collectors, car washers, bus conductors, newspaper sellers, or even prostitutes or beggars. Aproximatly 2.000 children and adolenscents grow up completely secluded from society and sleep below bridges, on the street or in empty graves in the cemetary. The street, the place of freedom and adventure has, however, high risks and dangers. The children are exposed helplessly to abuse and exploitation and usually end up consuming alcohol and drugs.