On November 24, 2025, I’ll be heading to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, as part of an international volunteering trip to support community projects led by the Coptic Church. This trip has been organised by Exodus Sydney, a not-for-profit organisation that has been running overseas volunteer programs and fundraising for community projects for more than 20 years.

As a dentist, I’ll be serving in the community’s Dental Clinic—providing much-needed dental care, education, and treatment for those who otherwise have little to no access. Oral health is often overlooked, yet it plays a vital role in overall wellbeing, and I feel privileged to be able to contribute my skills directly to improving the quality of life of these families.

Bolivia is a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty; however, many people still face significant challenges, including limited access to housing, healthcare, education, food, and employment opportunities. After learning about the incredible work the Coptic Church is doing to serve these communities, I’ve decided to help by raising funds to support some of their key projects.

The Coptic Diocese is about to finalise the construction of 32 homes for families living in illegal settlements (“Asentamientos ilegales”). All these homes will be given to these families free of charge, but we still need funds to “fit out the homes” and furnish them, providing families in need with even more dignity.

It is worth noting that the Coptic Diocese has also been operating and expanding various projects since 2001, including an Orphanage, Primary and Secondary Schools, a Medical Centre and Dental Clinic, five Childcare Centres, and other local support services.

These programs offer more than just free schooling, meals, and healthcare for those in need; they provide children and families with a sense of belonging, safety, and hope for the future.

Everything the Church does is made possible through the generosity of donations. The money raised will go directly to the Projects described above, as well as to provide food hampers, school supplies, textbooks, and medicine to people in need across Santa Cruz and nearby villages.

I’d love for you to be part of this journey. By supporting these projects, you’ll be helping to create real, lasting change for communities that truly need it. Every contribution makes a difference.

Thank you for your kindness and support. It means the world to me, and to the people we are supporting in Bolivia.