Bolivia Urban Pilot Programme

"We need to close the gaps. Education and health for all and that the cities do not develop themselves, but that we can develop them." – Cecilia, La Paz

The Bolivia Urban Pilot Project empowers children and youth, and promotes their active participation in the municipal development of La Paz. This initiative aims to provide a space for children and young people to participate and to be considered in decision-making processes, especially in forums held in their districts.

Children from urban slums in Bolivia identified several issues that affected them, including violence against children, lack of supervision and protection during the day, few opportunities for positive use of free time, teenage pregnancy, and the rising number of youth gangs involved in risky behaviours.

To address these problems, children use local-level advocacy methodologies such as Citizen Voice and Action to monitor policy and practice, and to hold the government accountable. They also conduct community mobilisation activities to transform their neighbourhoods into better places to live.