The rich culture of Bolivia and its indigenous peoples are world-renowned, but, the Bolivian economy is also one of South America's poorest.

The relationship between ethnicity and poverty in Bolivia is strong. Indigenous groups are often marginalized and do not have easy access to education and health care because of geographic, cultural, language and economic barriers.

Without convenient access to basic services, children under the age of 5 are vulnerable to deadly illnesses and malnutrition, and older children must travel long distances to reach school. Chauvinistic attitudes hamper the rights of women and girls in school, the workplace, and at home. In some cases, they lead to violence.

ChildFund has served children in Bolivia since 1979.