PROJECTS
The projects below and the priorities are revised and regularly discussed with the Bolivar community.
We will follow up with donors about the progress and the outcomes of their contributions through pictures and updates.
Whenever possible we wish to support the community with planification and on-site work.
PRIORITY PROJECTS
BILINGUAL
SCHOOL & CAMPUS
What is the project about :
The proposal is for a grant for the Hotuja (Piaroa) tribe of the Venezuelan Amazonas to construct their own bilingual school. Its curriculum is based on the ancient traditions and Cosmovision of the Hotuja people. Classes will be taught in Hotuja and in Spanish. No tribe in Venezuela has ever constructed its own, official school. This school will be registered with the government and will offer subjects as diverse as cultural communication, natural medicine, agriculture, technologies, astronomy, mathematics, arts, and Hotuja language, spoken and written.
How much does it cost :
under estimation
How can it be done :
in collaboration with the tribe, the members of the Bolivar Circle and partners.
BOAT ENGINE REPAIR & MAINTENANCE
What is the project about :
The boat being the mean of transportation from the community on the Orinoco river funds to repair or maintain are essentials, as well as gazoline expenses. These important and unplanned expenses are challenging to the community.
How much does it cost :
2,000 USD
How can it be done :
...
VISIT TO EUROPE
What is the project about :
Following Abuelo Bolivar's vision of sharing the Piaroa medicine with the world, Don Juan wishes to travel abroad to lead programs and circles. For this he must be accompanied at the minimum by his son Oscar and his son-in-law Gregory.
How much does it cost :
Around 800 USD for each plane ticket.
VISAS costs if necessary.
How can it be done :
The passports have been funded and received. The next step are the plane tickets to be financed and organized.
CHURUATA REPAIR - CEREMONIAL SPACE
What is the project about:
Repairing the roof of the Churuata, the main ceremonial space of the community, built by Abuelo Bolivar. The thatched roof having rotten the Churuata is not in use.
How much does it cost :
estimated 1,500US$
How can it be done :
The palm leaves necessary for the repair must be harvested or purchased and a large number of people must participate in the weaving and placing of the leaves on the roof. Traditionally the whole community would participate in the process.
Video with Don Juan about their request (editing*).
MALARIA PREVENTION & CARE
What is the project about :
Prevention and treatment against malaria for children and adults, providing preventive care such as mosquito nets and Artemisia anua and treatments when necessary.
How much does it cost :
to be estimated
How can it be done :
ie. Artemisia anua tea is said to reduce from 80 to 90% the effect of malaria. To cultivate and harvest artemisia on the community's land seems possible, given that the plant enjoys dry poor soil and sun. The project would require a nursery for young plants and a training approach about how to harvest, use and replant yearly.
PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT
SOLAR PANELS
What is the project about:
A gas generator is currently used for lighting the Chiuruata at night and during ceremonies. A solar panel would be a better alternative, in terms of sustainability, noise and logistics, given that purchasing gazoline is problematic in Venezuela.
How much does it cost :
estimated 800US$
(portable battery + portable solar panel)
How can it be done :
The installation of a basic solar pannel does not require much organisation besides purchase and transport. (Include a way to store and secure.)
CHILDREN BASIC ITEMS / DENTAL CARE
What is the project about :
To bring along basic items for children such as clothes and shoes, basic dental care or hygiene products, either from abroad or from Colombia / Venezuela, as the resources to purchase such items are not always available.
How much does it cost :
donations + transport
How can it be done :
Collection of goods to be donated to bring along on future visits.
DRY COMPOST TOILET
What is the project about :
The current donations will be used to build DRY COMPOST TOILETS on the community's island on the colombian side. Due to the current difficult geopolitical context in Venezuela, visitors coming to spend time with the community are hosted on the
A basic guest toilet has been installed for visitors. Dry compost toilets would be easier to maintain, a better sanitary option against mosquitos, more sustainable and more efficient when numerous guests are using them.
How much does it cost :
estimated 50US$ / toilet
estimated 50 US$ / waste container
How can it be done :
Dry toilets with a liquid divider can be easily built, in a few days, including sanitary compost containers for both liquid and solid wastes.
