The Community of Saint Paul (CSP) is working to improve the quality of life of the population of Independencia County. We work in 14 small rural villages in Independencia County, located in the Andes Mountain, at an altitude of between 6,000 to 15,000 Ft above sea level and at 124 miles northwest of Cochabamba (the 3rd largest city in Bolivia).

• 98% of Independencia’s population lives in conditions of extreme
  poverty.
• They are small rural farmers with a low level of agriculture.
• Women (53%) suffer greater social, economic and educational discrimination than men, with the consequent violation of their rights.
• There are no vocational centers in the area for young people. The professional technical training center is the only center in the Independencia area, for almost 8 thousand young people.
• It is important to improve job opportunities for the young people
  in the area.

• We are going to provide technical skills education for 90 young men and women every year in the rural area.
• Teaching and learning in three careers:

• Students will earn a degree recognized by the Bolivian Ministry of Education at the end of two years of study.

• With 500 USD you can buy a knitting machine (12 are needed).
• With 650 USD you can buy a sewing machine (8 are needed).
• With 950 USD you can buy an over-stitching machine (4 are needed).
• With 1,200 USD you can buy different tools and machines for motorcycle mechanic career.

The total cost of the equipment is $27,000.

Donations can be made with cash—in an envelope marked “Lenten Project” or check—made out to any site in the Family of Eight with “Lenten Project” in the memo.