MOSOJ YAN

Volunteer/ Internship requirements:

• Beginner Spanish
• Interest in education and working with street children
• Experience in a relevant field (e.g. psychology, education, marketing) is valued, but not necessary
• Motivated and supportive
• Minimum commitment period of 2-3 months

Background:
Mosoj Yan, which means “new road” in Quechua, was founded by Scottish missionary Margaret Anderson, who decided to set up the organization after witnessing girls working on the streets. Since 1991, the Christian organization has been providing rehabilitation and prevention services to young women. Mosoj Yan runs a shelter with an educational center, a handicrafts shop, a restaurant, and in 2000 opened “The Productive Unit”.

Objectives:

• Mosoj Yan hopes to make positive impact in the lives of young women living on the streets by empowering them to take control of their lives and become active members of society
• To provide educational services and support for girls looking for alternative employment
• To support girls through the process of social reintegration
• To provide shelter for those who have left home
• To create micro-finance opportunities
• To offer counseling and psychological aid, as well as legal, educational and health services

Who does Mosoj Yan help?
At present, Mosoj Yan has four projects helping over 700 girls a year. Those who seek Mosoj Yan’s help range from children to young adolescents, some of whom are young mothers. Some of the girls at Mosoj Yan live with their families, but spend the day selling goods on the street; others live on the streets, surviving by stealing or prostitution and oftentimes face drug addictions.

Working Conditions:
Mosoj Yan’s main office is centrally located in Cochabamba. It has well developed facilities and volunteers will have access to computers. There is also a restaurant and café run by the girls whom the organization helps.

How to get there:
The main office is located on Cochabamba’s city center, a short walking distance from most host families. It is also accessible by trufis 130, Z12, and 13.

Program Supervisors:
All Mosoj Yan projects are supervised by Jenny Morato and Lena Estevez, both licensed and experienced psychologists. Jenny has played a fundamental role in the development of Mosoj Yan and has also worked with other organizations supporting girls and young adolescents. Lena has specialized in community violence and gang reduction and prevention.

Mosoj Yan Programs:

Center for Girls Who Work on the Street:
The center provides support and opportunities for girls between the ages of six and eighteen. Mosoj Yan aims to positively influence the lives of troubled young women by helping them improve their relationships with their families and by providing them with career advice and educational aid. Girls have access to showers, a dining hall, and laundry services at the center. Motivational workshops and skill shares are regularly scheduled to inspire these young girls to take control of their futures. Previous workshops have included computing, bakery and handicrafts.

Volunteer/ internship opportunities include:

• Provide educational support
• Develop and implement workshops
• Maintain and increase cooperation with other organization and donors
• Create educational and recreational activities

The Production Unit:
Mosoj Yan runs a café and a handicrafts shop in the center of Cochabamba which sells products made in the other centers. Both are operated by girls who have been helped by Mosoj Yan. This helps to sustain the other projects and also raises community awareness.
           
Volunteer/ internship opportunities include:

• Marketing of Mosoj Yan Products
• Making contacts with potential buyers and maintaining contacts with current buyers
• Helping run the café/shop
• Developing and implementing workshops (e.g. on business strategies)

The Motivation Center:
The Motivation Center focuses on offering alternative opportunities to girls who live on the street. Mosoj Yan actively seeks out homeless young women offering them a room at the center. Facilities include showers, laundry services, lockers, and childcare. They also have access to therapy, counseling, healthcare, and education, all of which can aid them with integrating back into school and society. Mosoj Yan periodically offers recreational activities and excursions. 

Volunteer/ internship opportunities include:

• Create new workshops
• Design educational and recreational activities
• Organize cultural outings ( e.g. Museums, national parks)
• Help provide childcare/ give parenting advice
• Fundraise

The Restoration Center:  
The Restoration Center concentrates on the reintegration of girls back into society; whether it be with their families or independently.  The girls who stay at the Restoration Center are either seeking shelter from abusive situations (physical, psychological, sexual) or from the streets. The center shelters up to fifteen girls at a time.

Volunteer/ internship opportunities include:

• Run workshops designed to develop their capabilities and skills, and to increase motivation and self esteem
• Assist or lead therapy sessions (dependent upon experience)
• Raise community awareness
• Provide support during integration
• Fundraise and acquire needed donations in the form of clothing, kitchen utensils, educational material, etc.