Bolivia

Update to the Global Board (October 2008). Despite ongoing social unrest and periods of violence, ACLO forges ahead in its programmatic achievements, including the completion of the first cycle of a three-year project to create a cadre of rural and indigenous leaders with advanced skills.

As many of you know, the Bolivian people are facing the enormous challenge of forging themselves as a multicultural democracy. These include: drafting a new constitution which will ensure rights of all citizens and establishing ways for all citizens to benefit equitably from the country's natural resources.

During 2007 and the early months of 2008, Bolivia has faced critical challenges in two arenas: political unrest and civil strife surrounding the process of constitutional reform; and severe drought and floods resulting from La Niña/El Niño Cycle.