ONE WORLD WHERE POVERTY IS ELIMINATED, EQUALITY PREVAILS AND THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND GIRLS ARE FULFILLED

@crossroadsintl | cintl.org Crossroads International works to create a more equitable and sustainable world by engaging and strengthening individuals, organizations and communities through mutual learning, solidarity and collective action.

@crossroadsintl | cintl.org What is Crossroads International? One of Canada’s first and foremost international cooperation organizations; Crossroads has been fighting inequality for almost 60 years by bringing people together for a common cause; to create lasting solutions to overcome poverty and advance women’s rights; We work as equals with local partners to create decent jobs and to empower women to become leaders and live free from violence; We measure our success in lives changed, those of the women and families we serve, as well as our own.

@crossroadsintl| cintl.org We work for a just world Crossroads International works in some of the world’s poorest nations in Southern Africa, West Africa and South America to build equality by combatting poverty and increasing access to basic resources and rights.

Every year we send skilled volunteers overseas to support partners and communities in their vital work. Our professional mandates are tailored to provide local organizations with expertise they need, while giving Canadians valuable overseas work experience.

Bolivia Country Program

@crossroadsintl | cintl.org Country at a Glance: Bolivia Geography & Environment Landlocked in South America; largely rural Demographics & Society Population: 10.6 million (2014) Over 65% indigenous majority: 30% Aymara, 30% Quechua Economy and Development GDP: billion (2014); GDP growth: 5.5% (2014) 45% population live below national poverty line Politics and Government Plurinational State of Bolivia Evo Morales, MAS (Movimiento al Socialismo): 3rd consecutive term

Trends: Bolivia Political Participatory model of governance New Constitution (2009): Key reforms. o Indigenous rights; Autonomy; Resources; Judiciary; Land Patriotic Agenda 2025 Socio-Cultural Improved social welfare and conditions Young population (over 60% under 25 yrs old) Rural – Urban (Peri-urban) migration Economic Post-Neoliberalism National Development Plan Concept of Vivir Bien Environmental Climate Change

@crossroadsintl | cintl.org Crossroads in Bolivia Historical Background Opened program in late 1980s Current Local Partnerships Microfinance (MFIs) Rural Development NGOs Farmer-based NGOs Networks/Affiliations (Development Effectiveness) COCAB Projects and Volunteering Youth Inclusion project (to Dec. 2016) Women-led Microfinance (MicroFIR) and Customized Training project (ended Dec. 2015) On average 12 Canadian volunteers per year (Bolivia program), as well as e-volunteers and other types of exchanges

Bolivia Program Strategic Objectives: Increase leadership of women and youth Increase economic autonomy of women and youth Increase livelihood opportunities for women, youth and agricultural producers in rural Bolivia Increase local partner organizational capacity in key areas (defined by organizational diagnostics) to deliver environmentally sound, sustainable economic development results, equality between men and women and effective policy engagement.

Theory of Change (ToC) of Bolivia Program

@crossroadsintl | cintl.org Advancing Women's and Youth Economic Autonomy and Leadership

@crossroadsintl | cintl.org By providing young leaders with opportunities to improve their professional skills, and through entrepreneurial and other training programs in diverse areas, the entrepreneurship program enables people to take control of their future. In the process, it supports young women in gaining the skills, confidence, and independence. Crossroads supports cooperatives, rural producers and entrepreneurs to boost their incomes and improve their quality of life. As a result, since 2009 together we have helped more than 4,500 people gain access to capacity building (training/technical assistance), economic or livelihood opportunities and/or access to markets.

@crossroadsintl | cintl.org “Taking part in the Ecological Schools for youth has brought me pride knowing how important I am to my community and our cooperative in carrying on the work [coffee production]. I am learning lots … I am proud to be an ecological producer offering healthy food and products. I hope to become a member of our cooperative this year.” Salome Mamani (27 years old), daughter of ecological producers, attended Ecological Schools training in Chijchipani, Bolivia, January 2016

@crossroadsintl | cintl.org “I have learned the importance of savings, and the trainings also strengthened my ability to care for my dairy cows, including feeding and early detection of illnesses or health issues.” Justa Marta Blanco Quispe (member and President of Grupo MAYAS MicroFIR), Bolivia

@crossroadsintl | cintl.org THANK YOU! If interested in reviewing current volunteer opportunities, please visit: