Cochabamba’s INFANTE Program Celebrates 20 Years
Geri Kline, OP, was missioned in Bolivia from 1984 to 1994. She founded INFANTE in 1988. In September of this year, Geri returned to celebrate the organization’s 20th anniversary. She was awarded by the city of Cochabamba, Bolivia, with a proclamation for founding the INFANTE program which provides shelter for women and children.
by Geri Kline, OP
Sr. Geri Kline (right) visits with families in Cochabamba.
Appalled by the conditions in the orphanages I visited in Cochabamba, Bolivia, I had facilitated the adoption of three children to the United States, one with a hearing problem and one with paraplegia and her brother.
As I grew in appreciation of the people, land, and culture of Bolivia, I felt uneasy about removing children from their heritage. Despite the belief of many who insisted that adoptions were not acceptable in the cultural milieu of Latin America, I was convinced there were families in Bolivia anxious and willing to adopt. I began working with a Canadian volunteer and a Bolivian lawyer to shape plans and write grants for what was to become INFANTE.
The first year, our small staff worked primarily to disseminate information via newspapers, radio, TV, and monthly bulletins regarding the need for and viability of national adoptions. As word spread, INFANTE’s programs began to take shape, including the following:
- Foster homes to accommodate children waiting to be adopted;
- Social and psychological preparation for adoptive families;
- Casa de la Mujer for young mothers and pregnant women, including job training; and
- A day care center for children of these women and women in the neighborhood.
The vision and mission of INFANTE is to promote, defend, protect, and restore the human rights of those particularly vulnerable in Bolivian society. INFANTE’s programs have recently expanded to include a Casa de la Adolescente for girls ages 11–18 who have suffered sexual abuse. Casa de la Adolescente also coordinates with other organizations working to prevent trafficking and works on education and formation in the rural areas.
I am amazed at the way INFANTE has continued and grown and am grateful to all who, by their dedication, hard work, and financial support, are participating in the building of a more just society for the Bolivian people.
One of the most gratifying moments of my visit was the announcement that a proposal has been put forward to declare Sept. 1 as National Adoptions Day in Bolivia. It has been a privilege to have played a small part in this undertaking which has been so blessed by God.