Sunday, November 27, 2011

Kaya UNICEF Project Partnership

The Bolivia UNICEF office and the Bolivian Vice-Secretary of Citizen Security posted a public invitation to carry out a consultancy with the purpose of creating an “Integral and intersectional model for prevention and attention for children and adolescents on the streets.” This measure has come about by a request from NGO networks that work with children on the streets that have identified times when there has been a lack of public policies that will guarantee appropriate attention for the kids. With this consulting project, the idea is to answer this need by generating public policies focused on Human Rights, establishing coordinating mechanisms between the different actions of the State and civil society organizations.

Kaya Children International, along with the CDEA, was given the consultancy. The first phase has two steps: firstly to co-construct a model with all of the actors, from four regions in the country, that intervene in serving children and adolescents in the street, secondly the implementation of the model in one or two regions. As an institution, we will achieve political and public impact, as well as having up to date information that will benefit the way we carry out our own programs, continuing with the objectives set out in our strategic plan.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

I'm Thankful For...

the books in the library. I really like the Clifford books. -- Jorge


The kids at Kaya love to read, and most of the books in the library are well-loved with worn pages from constant reading. Help keep our shelves filled with books and stories for the kids to explore.

I'm Thankful For...

for my Kaya family. I have people who look out for me and love me. I also have had many great experiences that I used to not think I could have. -- Nico

I'm Thankful For...

having a warm house to live in. -- Hector

$1,000 will pay a house parent’s salary for 2 months. Being a house parent is a 24/7 job. House parents live in the houses with our boys and help cultivate a strong, positive family environment.

I'm Thankful For...

going to school everyday. My favorite subject is math. I'm learning addition and subtraction now! -- Sandra


$5000 will cover the annual school fees for 40 children. Your support gives kids like Sandra the opportunity to get an education.

I'm Thankful For...

having people who care for me. I am also thankful that my brother is here with me and that I can take care of him. -- Adrian

I'm Thankful For...

all my friends at Kaya. We go to school together and are best friends. We especially like to dance! -- Camilla

This photo was taken at the most recent Kaya Awards ceremony, where Camilla and her friends performed a hip-hop dance routine.

Monday, November 21, 2011

I'm Thankful For...

all of my friends at Kaya! They are like my family. I like to play chess and soccer with them. -- Eddie

Friday, November 18, 2011

I'm Thankful For...

the chance I have to work with such wonderful children everyday! It is a great blessing to be part of these kids' lives. -- Pamela, a staff and teacher with Kaya Children.

Pamela teaches and mentors the younger children at the Kaya Center, who all love her. Her great patience towards and love for the children are evident in the way she cares for these children. A $500 donation will help pay the salary for a teacher like Pamela for a month.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

I'm Thankful For...

how Kaya helped me when I broke my leg and couldn't walk around. Now, I can even play on the trampoline! -- Angel

Kids will be kids, and accidents happen. Your gift provides us the resources to support these kids at every step of their recovery. $50 covers basic health care for 25 kids for a month.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

I'm Thankful For...

being able to go to school and do art projects at the Kaya Center! -- Silvia

Silvia is painting a t-shirt as part of an activity at the Kaya Center which taught the children about peace and human rights.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Why Join the Kaya Challenge?

By joining the Kaya Challenge, you are helping us create new program opportunities to care for children in Bolivia such as this little girl. Your donations will go towards her education, health care, and clinical services. Far more important, however, your support means that she will be able to spend her days in a safe and caring environment.

Friday, November 11, 2011

I'm Thankful For...

the yummy food I get to eat at lunch! -- Jorge

For some of the kids at Kaya, the lunch they eat at the Kaya Center is the only nutritious meal they have throughout the day. $25 provides meals and snacks for 1 child at the Kaya Center for a month.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

I'm Thankful For...

the support that I have and the opportunity to do what I truly enjoy. -- Israel

Israel is pursuing his culinary passions by working at a bakery. We challenge you to consider taking the Kaya Challenge because it is your support that helps children/youth like Israel achieve their dreams.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

I'm Thankful For...

the many friends I have at Kaya and for the teachers who care for me. I also like reading and there are lots of books in the library. -- Jimena

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

How Far Does Your Money Go?

Why do you give to Kaya Children International? Whatever your reason, we are so grateful for your generosity! Your support means that we will be able to continue to provide long-term, quality care for our children. Some of you may be wondering what it costs for Kaya to provide the services that it does and how far your money goes. We have said earlier that $500 will pay a teacher's salary for a month; $1000 will pay a house parent's salary for 2 months; and $5000 will cover the annual school fees for 40 children. Here are some other numbers to get you thinking:
  • $25 provides meals and snacks for 1 child at the Kaya Center for a month.
  • $50 covers basic health care for 25 kids for a month.
  • $100 covers special activities and field trips for all kids in the Kaya Center for a month.
  • $150 provides clinical services to a child for a year (ex. counseling, case management, crisis support, family support and counseling, assessment, etc.).
  • $375 pays one psychologist working with 30 kids for a month.
Beyond the numbers, your support means that the children in Kaya are able to spend their days in a safe environment, where they are loved, where they are able to dream big, and where they are able to just be kids.


Monday, November 7, 2011

What Are You Thankful For?















Taking a note from the Thanksgiving season, the theme for this year's Kaya Challenge is "Thankfulness." As we take the Challenge together, we encourage you to think about what you are thankful for and how you can give others things to be thankful for as well.

We here at Kaya are extremely thankful for all of our wonderful friends and supporters. We are also thankful for the fantastic staff we have in Bolivia, who have dedicated their lives to helping and promoting justice for street children!


Friday, November 4, 2011

The Kaya Challenge Beings!

Are you ready to take the Challenge?

We hope you are...because the second annual Kaya Challenge begins today!

This time leading up to Thanksgiving is a natural time for gratitude and generosity, and the Kaya Challenge offers an opportunity for increased generosity and gratitude in a fun and creative way. The Kaya Challenge is for you, as a friend of Kaya, to spend time reaching out to your personal networks to share about the good work that Kaya is doing and to help us raise funds and friends. Whether you are a longtime friend to Kaya or just someone with a healthy competitive streak, we've made it very easy and fun to take the Challenge. Just follow the three simple steps below:
  1. Set a goal: You can raise funds individually or on a team of friends and/or coworkers! Set a financial goal. Any amount is a great help, but here are some numbers to get you thinking: $500 will pay a teacher's salary for a month; $1000 will pay a house parent's salary for 2 months; and $5000 will cover the annual school fees for 40 children.
  2. Create a personal online fundraising page: Go to https://kaya.myetap.org/fundraiser/KayaChallenge/.
  3. Spread the word: Tell your friends and family that you are taking the Kaya Challenge to help raise money for street children in Bolivia. Share stories that explain why you are supporting Kaya and what the work that Kaya does mean to you. Email, update your Facebook, Twitter or even try good old-fashioned phone calls. Small donations add up quickly and make a big impact!
As the Kaya Challenge continues, keep visiting this blog for daily updates and stories from our kids in Bolivia. We also encourage you to go on over to our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kaya-Children-International/264721063556376) and "like" us. We hope you will join us this month to help make a difference in the lives of many children!

Ready? Get set. Go!