Case studies: former SOS child Mallasa (La Paz), Bolivia

The moon - more than a shining satellite

An enterprising young man from the SOS Children's Village Mallasa, Bolivia talks about his achievements and plans, and what motivates him. The successful and independent man has a wife and baby daughter. He thinks the entire family has a promising future.

It is midday at the restaurant and lots of customers have just arrived. Dishes are passed left, right and centre, like flying saucers. There is Luis, the owner of the restaurant, working as hard as each of his employees. He is an expert at carrying plates and in minutes he has distributed dozens of dishes. Rosalin, his little daughter is sitting in a push chair that is near the front door. From time to time, the little three-year old sees her father smiling at her.

Lunch time is over. The customers gradually leave the restaurant, so Luis and his wife, begin to relax a little. They can now have their lunch. Luis sets the table for three while Luz, his wife, brings their plates of food and a baby meal for little Rosalin.

28-year-old Luis grew up at SOS Children's Village Mallasa. When he finished high school, he married Luz and soon afterwards they had a beautiful baby girl. After he had studied international cuisine at local technical college "Escuela Hotelera", he opened a little restaurant near the children's village. He named it "La Luna" (The Moon).

The restaurant is now well-equipped and means that he can earn a livelihood and count on a good future for his family.

Giving birth to a dream

Luis began to think about his restaurant four year ago. Someone advised him to open it near the children's village. The restaurant is in a very good location - it lies on one of the most important tourist routes of the city of La Paz, on the way to the "Valle de la Luna" (Moon Valley), an eroded sandstone formation that seems like the real moon.

"I am proud to say that the restaurant is working very well and because of it, my family and I can make ends meet without any problems", said Luis.

The restaurant is not just a good business for Luis' family. It also provides opportunities for young people from the children's village.

"Something that also makes me happy is that the restaurant employs young people from the village, meaning that they can get a taste of the job. Several of them have worked in 'La Luna', particularly during December when the number of customers increases significantly," says Luis. "In fact, I myself was once given an opportunity like this when I was a young boy."

He concludes: "La Luna is just the beginning of a major project. What I want to do next is to open a large restaurant that will give me the opportunity to develop."

SOS Children has been working in Bolivia since 1968 and the SOS Children's Village Mallasa is one of nine children's villages. Mallasa, near La Paz provides a home to over 100 children, giving them the love of a family.

You can support children like Luis by becoming a child sponsor.