Mary's Meals
The Cochabamba Montessori
The Mary’s Meals project in Cochabamba, Bolivia began in 2006.  Our friends there run an orphanage for abandoned and disabled children.  They go to great lengths to see them through school, college and university as they are convinced that it is only through educating the poor that a more just society will be created. 

As well as the orphanage, they have opened a school for children from the local shanty towns. Because of the chronic poverty education is regarded as a luxury. 

Many families have to make the choice between food and education for their children.  We are now providing Mary’s Meals in this school to encourage local families to send their children. 

Country background:
Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in South America.  The country is rich in natural resources and there is wealthy elite but the majority of the population live on low incomes.

Population:
8.6 million
Life expectancy:
64 years
Below Poverty line:
62.7%
Development Index:
113