Performing Life, Inc

Vital Stats

John C

Silver City, NM

  • people helped350
  • People Doing It 10

The Problem

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America, with a meager $45.13 billion GDP in 2009. Since 1985 economic challenges have led impoverished rural populations to migrate to Bolivia's city centers. Subsequently, in Cochabamba today there are a large number of children and youth working and living in the streets. There are also those who are not homeless, but destitute and struggling to support themselves and their families in whatever what possible. Since experts suggest that unemployment effects between 8-10% of the population, it is not uncommon for children and youth to turn to begging, selling candy on the street, and menial labor as a source of income. It is common to walk the streets of Cochabamba today and see children who have left their homes (either by choice or due to family death or abandonment) and have begun taking part in drug use and delinquency. The most common drug used is called "clefa" (a glue used to repair shoes). This is an addictive stimulant and produces violent behavior. Also common is unrefined cocaine known as "pasta base" or simply “base.” Performing Life, Inc, offers skills-training, support, and a community that makes it easier for youth to choose to stay off drugs and in school, as well as a sustainable and safe way to support themselves and their families through the arts.

Plan of Action

To improve the lives of these Bolivian youth living in poverty, Performing life was created. The organization began as a project to develop skills in street performance as a pro-social, sustainable way to earn an income. Since it's inception in 2005, the project has evolved to provide other opportunities to youth through a music project as well as micro-enterprise initiatives for families. Participants have begun to develop self-taught skills in street performance such as juggling, acrobatics, street theater, music, and many other types of performance art. This form of employment is successful with the youth population because it is a more appealing type of employment compared to menial labor; their only other (legal) form of employment. The most successful performers are those who work to develop their own special routines. In addition to jugglers, there are many different types of street performers, including acrobatics and “poi” which is an indigenous art form from New Zealand. This form of work requires much concentration and commitment thus keeping youth occupied, off drugs, and helping to form supportive groups among fellow performers and leading to a safer working environment. As well as providing skills training Performing Life has created a safe environment and community for its participants. Through working in the project youth have been able to connect with older more experienced performers who have often become their surrogate big brothers. Experienced performers in the project teach new skills and tricks, act as mentors and help kids stay off drugs.
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Homelessness and Poverty

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