Pachamama (Bolivia) Service Trip

Hi Family and Friends,

Since May of last year I've been planning a service and action trip to Cochabamba, Bolivia to focus on learning about and improving the relationship between climate change and indigenous rights. Our trip incorporated sustainable solutions to the ever-pressing issues of global warming and improving infrastructures in underserved communities.

As a leader (and creator) of this trip, along with my friend Sydni, it was important that we made our short time down in Bolivia worthwhile. While there, we partnered with organization Alerta Verde, to build square foot gardens at a school, we learned about Bolivia's Law of Mother Earth and the country's water war crisis against their government in 2000 (which is still going on). We tackled real-time local issues with Bolivian college students studying environmental science, and participated in a traditional indigenous ceremony. In addition, we stayed with host families and got the authentic Bolivian experience.

Now that we're back in the states, we are in the process of planning  our post-trip action focusing on bringing awareness to people here in Los Angeles about the effect of local corporations on the regional environment and understanding how we can all come together to fight for environmental justice.

Because I designed and led the trip, I was able to get much of it paid for, however, there is still a remaining balance due to my school in the next two weeks. The funds will be used to pay for the remaining balance on my account.

I have been beyond blessed to travel to Ghana, London and now Bolivia with the encouragement and support of my family and friends. I am so grateful that this trip is closing out my undergraduate career and I am excited to continue to make you all proud in the next chapters of my life. 

Much Love and Gratitude,
Sarahn