Stories of lives transformed in Bolivia

Javier
Because his mother found it difficult to cope with his condition, Javier Pinto has lived with his grandparents since he was born. When Javier was six, he went to a centre supported by International Service in Sucre, the nearest city, to get therapy and to start his education.  However, after realizing he was homesick, Javier’s grandfather took him out of the centre. 

Now Javier goes to kindergarten every day in Sucre.  “He acts or shows what he wants to say. He’s very expressive without words,” says Javier’s grandfather, “I am delighted with everything that he can manage, especially when he tries to help us with the things he can do.”

Marina
Marina Huarachi Collo was diagnosed with a degenerating and irreversible eye condition and is registered as blind. Her dreams of becoming an architect were shattered and her parents’ reactions compounded her distress. Marina’s parents wouldn’t let her use a white stick, and hid her impairment even from the neighbours. 

Thanks to training provided by International Service, Marina has now learnt to read Braille and has had mobility training.  She dreams of one day having a career and a child to call her own.  She also hopes that one day her family will come to terms with her condition. “My parents are so important to me – I want to help them so that together we can accept what is really going on.”

Feliza
Feliza Ali Ramos has been using a wheelchair since she was injured in a bus crash in 1997.  Years later, she applied for a job with a disability organisation in Ecuador.  However, at the time, Feliza could not be hired because the organisation was looking for men with disabilities and a third-level degree.  Having a disability and a third-level degree, Feliza was unable to apply because she was a woman. Because of her unequal treatment, she decided to take action.

Feliza joined International Service as co-ordinator of its disability programme in Bolivia in 2007. After joining forces with disabled people’s organisations and other NGOs, Feliza was successful in having disabled people’s rights recognised in the new National Constitution adopted in 2009.

“I realised that having a disability is neither a blessing nor misfortune. It’s simply something that gives you a different perspective, allowing you to value human qualities differently” Says Feliza of her disability.