Currently Recruiting for Primary, Preventative and Dental Care Participants
Overview
After receiving care herself, a young nun was so impressed with our work in Peru that she advocated that we should have a presence in Bolivia. In 2003, MMI sent the first project team to this country.
In 2005 MMI launched MMI Bolivia under the direction of Francis Perez, an MMI project leader, grew up in a small Dominican Republic village annually visited by our project teams. Francis saw the work of MMI and wanted to help serve as a translator the next time the group would visit his village. He began to teach himself English in preparation for the team’s return the next year—and the rest is history.
Francis still serves as Director for this region and this program has experienced dramatic growth in the recent years. We would encourage you to go on any project with this great group of people!
| Country Background: | ||
| Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simon BOLIVAR, broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent history has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and countercoups. Democratic civilian rule was established in 1982, but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty, social unrest, and illegal drug production. In December 2005, Bolivians elected Movement Toward Socialism leader Evo MORALES president – by the widest margin of any leader since the restoration of civilian rule in 1982 – after he ran on a promise to change the country’s traditional political class and empower the nation’s poor, indigenous majority. However, since taking office, his controversial strategies have exacerbated racial and economic tensions between the Amerindian populations of the Andean west and the non-indigenous communities of the eastern lowlands. In December 2009, President MORALES easily won reelection, and his party took control of the legislative branch of the government, which will allow him to continue his process of change. In October 2011, the country held its first judicial elections to appoint judges to the four highest courts.Here’s some things you may need to know: | ||
| Geography |
About Los Tajibos:
Bolivia is one of the poorest and least developed Latin American countries. It shares borders with Peru, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Paraguay. La Paz is the capital of Bolivia and is located North West of San Juan. The main religion in Bolivia is Roman Catholic (95%) and Protestant (5%). Bolivia has 3 official languages, they are: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara. For more information about Bolivia, go to the CIA World Fact Book at www.cia.gov and select Bolivia. San Juan is in the department of Santa Cruz and is made up of forests, rivers and prairies. Beautiful vegetation covers the department of Santa Cruz de la Sierra which is located in the eastern part of Bolivia. Santa Cruz was founded in 1561 by the Spanish captain, Ñuflo de Chávez. In the 17th century, Jesuit missionaries sought to catechize the unevangelized native groups in the nearby areas of Moxos and Chiquitos. San Juan has a mixed community of Japanese and Bolivians.
Immunization Requirements:
Yellow fever vaccination is required and Malaria Prophylaxis is recommended for this project site. All routine immunizations should be up to date. You need some immunizations months before you travel, so be sure to check on this now.
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.htm
Country Entry Requirements:
A visa is required. A US passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry is required.
Canadian Citizens: You do not need a visa. Please check this website for the most current entry requirements.
http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories
Airport:
Santa Cruz International Airport (VVI):
***Do not book your flight until you have heard from an MMI staff member that you have been accepted on the project.***
Medical/Dental Professionals:
Please send a copy of your current diploma and license. MD, DDS, DMD, RN, NP, PA, and surgeons, please send your CV also. Surgeons need to send their surgical privileges list please.
Lodging and Accommodations:
The team will stay at a basic hotel while on the project.
Bed Linens: Bring your own
Bath Towels: Bring your own
Mosquito Netting: Bring your own
Internet: Internet Cafes
Phone Service: check with your cell phone provider
Voltage: 220 v
Meals:
Meals are provided by MMI staff. Be sure to bring your own re-usable water bottle with a wide mouth for refilling with purified water supplied by MMI.
Daily Program (subject to change)
The daily program will be explained by your project director at the orientation meeting on the day after the team arrives. A typical schedule of your day will be:
Monday-Friday
6:30 am Breakfast and Devotional time
8:00 am Departure to clinic site
Lunch at project site
4:30 pm Close clinic and back to accommodations
6:30 pm Supper
MMI Meeting/Activity
Weekend Plans
There will be some touring options on the weekend for you to consider for some rest and relaxation.
