New name for the Bolivian Street Children Project

Sept. 18, 2008 -- The Bolivian Street Children Project officially changed its name to Kaya Children International. While this may have seemed rather sudden to some, a name change had been on the horizon for a long time as we looked for a way to express who we are as an organization and our desire to expand internationally. We felt the time was ripe as we moved out from under an umbrella organization in La Paz to become an independent non-governmental organization (NGO), and as our network of partners expanded on a global scale.

“Kaya” means “tomorrow” in Quechua, one of the indigenous languages of Bolivia, reflecting the heritage of many of the children we encounter on the streets. It also represents our focus on the future. For kids on the streets, “tomorrow” doesn’t exist. They live in the moment and take life as it comes. Our work is about helping restore childhood for these children by giving them the love and support they need and planning for a brighter future where they can reach their potential to serve the world around them.

A positive, future-oriented name like Kaya Children International lets us focus on our hopes for our children rather than the negative reality of life on the streets. Kaya children are tomorrow’s children and they are not defined by their past experiences. Please help us embrace this new name with enthusiasm.