During April 2026, WEFTA volunteer Jason Obergfell completed a month‑long visit to Bolivia, working alongside long‑time partner organization Suma Jayma to advance multiple rural water initiatives across the altiplano. The visit included assessments, community meetings, and the inauguration of recently completed projects—each highlighting the deep need for reliable water access and the strong local collaboration that makes WEFTA’s work possible.
New 2026 Water Project to Reach 90 Families
From April 14–15, Obergfell and Suma Jayma engineers visited communities in Comanche, Coro Coro, Caquiaviri, and Marka Achiri, where 90 families have been identified to receive new wells with hand pumps funded by a generous Bolivian donor. Site visits included reviews of existing water sources—often hand‑dug wells, small springs, or open ponds shared with livestock—and discussions with community leaders about project requirements and local participation.
Inauguration of Completed Wells in Capiri and Copajira
On April 16, WEFTA and Suma Jayma joined community members and local authorities, including Mayor Luciana Condori, to celebrate the completion of 89 new wells funded by a Catholic congregation and a related lay organization. Families expressed deep gratitude and voiced hopes for future projects as they begin using their new protected water sources.
Support for Urban Child Development Center
On April 17, Obergfell attended the inauguration of newly expanded facilities at Centro Infantil 16 de Noviembre in Senkata (El Alto). The project—managed by Suma Jayma and funded largely by the same Bolivian benefactor—nearly doubled the center’s capacity to serve children from low‑income families. Community members, parents, and relatives of the donor participated in the celebration.
Strengthening Local Capacity
Throughout the visit, Obergfell coordinated closely with Suma Jayma staff, including engineer Jaime Rosas, discussing project logistics, fuel shortages, and long‑term sustainability needs. One key topic was securing insurance for Suma Jayma’s new project vehicle—an essential asset for reaching remote communities. Cost estimates will be submitted to WEFTA for review.
A Shared Commitment to “The Road Less Traveled”
Reflecting on the trip, Obergfell emphasized the dedication of Suma Jayma and WEFTA to serving communities often overlooked due to distance, terrain, or limited resources. The collaboration between Bolivian donors, Bolivian implementers, and WEFTA volunteers continues to bring safe, reliable water to families who have long awaited it.
