SIREJ Bolivia is raising funds to send to the indigenous Bolivian communities we collaborate with who have been impacted by COVID-19. In addition to soliciting direct financial donations, we are also hosting an Online Auction Friday August 14, 2020 . One hundred percent of the proceeds will be sent directly to our partner, CEJIS , a local Bolivian non-governmental organization distributing resources to the indigenous communities impacted by COVID-19. The money will be used to purchase critical medicines, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and to hire medical personnel.
All donations and/or direct financial contributions are greatly appreciated and will have a lasting impact on these communities.
Thank you for your time and your support.
Bolivia has the highest percentage of indigenous people in South America, yet they are systematically disadvantaged and constantly fighting for their right to land, autonomy, and livelihood. Issues such as deforestation and natural resource extraction are a constant threat. We founded SIREJ after a trip to Bolivia during which students met and collaborated with indigenous leaders, community organizers, artisans and musicians, and were inspired by their stories of perseverance and respect for the environment. We now work with local partners from the Monkox, Guarayo, Ayoreo, and Guarani indigenous groups in the eastern region of Bolivia near the Amazon rainforest. Last summer and fall was an extremely challenging period of time for many communities due to the massive wildfires that ravaged the Amazon and threatened their territories. More fires are expected this July through September as well, which would be a tragedy for the communities, local biodiversity and climate change.
Bolivia is now in a state of emergency because of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Without easy access to healthcare facilities, lack of personal protective equipment and food, and a worsening economic recession, indigenous communities exposed to the virus are suffering enormously. The country lacks sufficient resources and infrastructure to support those infected in both urban and rural areas, and under-resourced indigenous populations are dying at disproportionately high rates. For ethnic groups with only a few thousand people remaining, the deaths of their elders also signifies a loss of their culture and heritage.
SIREJ is raising funds to send to the indigenous Bolivian communities we collaborate with who are suffering from COVID-19. In addition to soliciting direct financial donations, we are also hosting an Online Auction Friday August 14, 2020 . One hundred percent of the proceeds will be sent directly to our partner, CEJIS , a local Bolivian non-governmental organization distributing resources to the communities affected by COVID-19. The money will be used to purchase critical medicines, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and to hire medical personnel. To learn more about CEJIS please visit their website at http://www.cejis.org/.
All donations and/or direct financial contributions are greatly appreciated and will have a lasting impact on these communities.
- Assisting in website development for Naciones Monkox, CICOL, and Artesanias - Connecting indigenous women’s groups making non-timber forest products (NTFP) out of cusi and copaibo such as oils, soaps, lotions, hair care products, and more. - Generating awareness about the Amazon Fires and raising funds to help communities impacted. - Advocating for indigenous rights and environmental justice.
Learn more about SIREJ Bolivia by following us on Facebook and Instagram . Visit SIREJ Bolivia's Gallery where you can learn more about some of our student organizations's previous projects and activities.
Bolivian indigenous and non-governmental organizations helping combat COVID-19 in Bolivia: