El Puente

Community Health Service in the Bolivian Rainforest: A Treking and River Expedition in support of The Rio Beni Health Foundation.

The concept for “El Puente” was developed following the successful Ride for a Reason: Andes to Amazon bicycle expedition in the summer of 2003.   In addition to raising enough funds to support the Rio Beni Health Project for nearly a full-year’s operations, the cross-cultural educational experience the participants received was profound.

Participants were able to spend time in Bolivia with the local project team and the local communities served by the Project, deepening their understanding of Bolivian culture and participating first hand in humanitarian aid.  

In the summer of 2004, another successful trip, Walk for a Reason, was carried out and raised another half-year of project operating expenses.

The yearly summer expeditions of 2003 through 2008 have constructed a strong intercultural bridge of understanding, respect and friendship between our local communities in southern California, our wider communities in North America and the people of the rainforest of northwest Bolivia. 

The 2008 El Puente team will provide this opportunity again and walk the bridge that has been built over the ten years since the Project’s conception. In addition, the important experiential learning components that actively involve the participants by performing service with local communities, learning about the Project, spending time with the people, and traveling on foot and boat through the rainforests of Madidi National Park.

Ways to Get Involved

What? 
Cross-cultural educational expedition and fundraiser for the Rio Beni Health Foundation in the rainforest of Bolivia’s northwest Upper Amazon Basin


Why? 
-Deliver an unparalleled first hand educational experience in humanitarian aid, Amazon rainforest ecology, Bolivian culture and history

-Allow the opportunity for participants to work hands-on in small villages where the Project is located, getting to know the villagers and the staff of the Project

-Raise local community awareness about the Rio Beni Health Project and Netzer-Brady International.

-Raise critical funds for the Rio Beni Health Project


Where?
The upper Amazon rainforest, the Beni, Quiquibey and Tuichi Rivers, communities of the Tacana, Chimane and Quechua Indians, rainforest trails in Madidi National Park


When? 
Usually for 15-17 days, beginning or mid-July.


Who? 
10-15 students (age 15 and above) and Adults, with experienced local team leaders and Bolivian guides

Facilitators:  Educational Safaris (www.edsafaris.com), Netzer-Brady International, America Eco-Tours (La Paz) and staff of the Rio Beni Health Foundation

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