PROJECTS
The projects and priorities below are regularly discussed with the Bolivar community. Cross-cultural project funding is a very delicate area for non-profit organizations and we care to ensure the best outcome of those, mindful of the pros & cons of each project.
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We will follow up with donors about the progress and the outcomes of their contributions through pictures and updates.
PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT
VISITOR CAMPUS
(under discussion)
What is the project about:
The proposal is for the funding of a visitor campus, under the request of the Uwottuja (Piaroa) tribe, which could also be used for the community as a bilingual learning center.
The campus' curriculum would be based on the ancient traditions and Cosmovision of the Uwottuja people. Classes would be taught in Uwottuja and in Spanish. No tribe in Venezuela has ever constructed its own official campus. This school could eventually be registered with the government and would offer subjects as diverse as cultural communication, natural medicine, agriculture, technologies, astronomy, mathematics, arts, and Uwottuja language (spoken and written).
How much does it cost:
under estimation, the project's feasibility has not yet been confirmed.
How can it be done:
This project being complex and large in size, it is still under discussion in collaboration with the tribe, the members of the Bolivar Circle and non-profit partners.
BOAT ENGINE REPAIR & MAINTENANCE
What is the project about:
Motorboat being the mean of transportation on the Orinoco River, to go from the community land in Venezuela to their island in Colombia, funds to repair it or maintain parts are essentials, as well as for gazoline expenses. These often important and unplanned expenses are challenging for the community.
How much does it cost:
various costs
How can it be done:
purchase of repair pieces, maintenance service and fuel.
VISIT TO
EUROPE, LATIN AMERICA & USA
What is the project about :
Following Abuelo Bolivar's vision of sharing the Piaroa medicine & traditions with the world, Don Juan wishes to travel abroad to lead programs and circles. For this he must be accompanied by his wife Dona Julia and his team.
How much does it cost:
Around 500 USD for passports.
Various VISAS costs.
Around 1000 USD for plane tickets.
How can it be done:
All passports have been funded, and 3 have been printed. Once they will all be received, we will move on to the visa process. The next step will then be for plane tickets and travel logistics to be financed and organized.
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. 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.
How much does it cost :
to be estimated
How can it be done :
4000 seeds were brought in October. The next step, on a future visit would be guidance on cultivating, harvesting and using artemisia annua. Mosquito nets are also to be financed.
MALARIA PREVENTION
INFRASTRUCTURE
WATER WELL & BRIDGE
What is the project about:
To improve the life conditions and especially the work of the women (who are currently carrying the water from the river), the construction of a water well near the kitchen facility, as well as to repair or rebuilt the wooden bridge that is the access point to the community's land.
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How much does it cost:
under estimation
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How can it be done :
The construction of a water well and of a bridge being more complex projects, the first step is to estimate the costs and analyse the feasibility.
SOLAR PANELS
What is the project about:
A gas generator is currently used for lighting the Churuata for evening gatherings and during ceremonies. A solar panel would be a better alternative, in terms of sustainability, noise and fuel logistics, given that purchasing gazoline is problematic in Venezuela.
How much does it cost:
estimated 800US$ per unit.
(portable battery + portable solar panel)
How can it be done:
The installation of a basic solar panel does not require much organisation besides purchase and transport. (Include a way to store and secure.)
CHILDREN & ADULT CLOTHES
What is the project about :
To bring along basic items for children & children such as clothes and shoes, rainclothes, 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
DOCUMENTARY
What is the project about:
During one of our visits the community emitted the desire for a documentary to be created, in the objective to share their traditions, their medicine and their wisdom.
We are currently looking at the different practical possibilities for this to be done, as well as the different angles it could be done and their respective consequences.
How much does it cost:
to be estimated
How can it be done:
...
DRY COMPOST TOILET
What is the project about :
The current donations will be used to build a few DRY COMPOST TOILETS on the community's land & island.
Dry compost toilets would are easy to maintain, a good sanitary option, sustainable and efficient for numerous guests.
How much does it cost:
estimated 80US$ / 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.