Warmi Ambassadors: Empowering Bolivian Youth Through Sexual Education

by | Jul 19, 2024 | Education, Empowerment of Women and Girls, Health and Wholeness, ShiftHappens

Location: BOLIVIA

Beneficiaries: Young people 14-18 years old

The Project

In the heart of Bolivia, a groundbreaking initiative has taken root, nurturing the seeds of knowledge and empowerment among young people. The Warmi Ambassadors project, or Warmi Embajadoras in Spanish, worked with six Bolivian women, aged 18 to 30, and a team of over 20 doctors specialized in sexual health and psychology. Initially, a training program was provided for both the ambassadors and the doctors, with the assistance of sexologists.

Following the training, they conducted workshops on comprehensive sexual education and offered free medical services in their communities and nearby areas. This program spanned the departments of La Paz, Oruro, Cochabamba, Tarija, Chuquisaca, and Pando, reaching over 1450 young people aged 14 to 18 and collaborating with 26 educational institutions.

The Impact of the Seed Grant

The Pollination Project’s seed grant enebled the Warmi Ambassadors to extend their reach far beyond initial expectations. The project’s impact rippled through 14 different municipalities, from the bustling streets of La Paz City to the remote corners of Yamparáez. In total, 41 workshops were conducted, each one a stepping stone towards a more informed and empowered youth.
The breadth of the project’s impact is truly impactful. From urban centers to rural communities, the Warmi Ambassadors brought vital information and services to a diverse array of educational institutions. They engaged with traditional schools, faith-based organizations, youth councils, and even social reintegration centers, ensuring that no young person was left behind in their quest for knowledge.
Perhaps most inspiring is the project’s ability to transcend age barriers. While primarily focused on adolescents, the workshops reached individuals from 6 to 50 years old, fostering intergenerational dialogue on crucial topics such as sexual education, consent, sexual violence prevention, and healthy relationships. This holistic approach has laid the groundwork for lasting change within communities, promoting a culture of openness, understanding, and respect.

 

Thank you for making a dream come true for thousands of young Bolivians!

 

The Future

The success of the Warmi Ambassadors project has ignited a spark of innovation and ambition within the Soy Warmi organization. They have embarked on an exciting new venture: the development of KurmiApp, a mobile application designed to bridge the gap between young people and sexual and reproductive health professionals.

This digital platform promises to be a game-changer, offering a safe space for users to access reliable information, learn about their rights, and connect directly with the medical team from the Warmi Ambassadors program. In a testament to their commitment to inclusivity, the app will be available in three indigenous languages: Aymara, Quechua, and Guarani, ensuring that vital information reaches even the most linguistically diverse communities.

As we at The Pollination Project reflect on the journey of the Warmi Ambassadors, we are filled with pride and hope. This project embodies the very essence of grassroots change – a small seed of an idea, nurtured with passion and dedication, growing into a force that transforms communities. The ripple effects of this initiative will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come, as young Bolivians embrace their right to comprehensive sexual education and empowerment.

The story of the Warmi Ambassadors serves as a powerful reminder of the change that can be achieved when we invest in local leaders and innovative ideas. We look forward to witnessing the continued growth and impact of this remarkable project in the years to come.​

Valentina Wiñay

At 15, Valentina Wiñay founded Soy Warmi, a non-profit organization promoting sexual and reproductive rights for vulnerable youth, especially indigenous populations. As its General Director, she has led over 150 volunteers from 8+ countries, reaching 40,000+ people globally. In 2023, Valentina directed the Warmi Ambassadors program, funded by The Pollination Project.

Valentina is actively involved in sexuality and gender studies within Bolivia’s indigenous communities. Her work has gained international recognition, including participation in the Youth Ambassadors program (2021-2022) and receiving the Opportunity Funds scholarship (2023) from the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia. She currently serves on the Global Fund for Women’s Adolescent Girls Advisory Council.

Notable achievements include being the first Bolivian in the TOP 30 of the ICPP Children’s International Peace Prize and placing second in the JCI TOYP awards. Recently, Valentina and Soy Warmi were featured in the U.S. government’s Annual Comprehensive Report on Public Diplomacy and International Broadcasting.

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Through our Global Animal Advocacy program, we've empowered grassroots leaders worldwide who are revolutionizing our relationship with animals and transforming food systems. From innovative plant-based food initiatives to groundbreaking animal welfare projects, our grantees are the changemakers building a kinder, more sustainable future.
Every seed grant we provide nurtures a vision where compassion knows no bounds. Today, we honor our grantees who work tirelessly to:

✴️ Develop sustainable plant-based alternatives
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Join us in supporting these vital initiatives. Together, we can create lasting change for animals, people, and our planet. 🌍

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