FUNDACIÓNTOTAÍ
PROCLAIMING the Gospel of Jesus Christ PROVIDING services at a low cost PROMOTING integral training of workers
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"This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." John 15:8
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Hot and hectic, muggy and manic, Trinidad is a fast-growing
Bolivian city and home to Fundación Totaí.
Trinidad was founded on the banks of the great river Mamore in
1686 by Jesuit priest Father Cipriano Barace. At this time in
Bolivia’s history, the Jesuits wielded considerable influence and
Trinidad is surrounded by many other towns which were formerly
Jesuit mission stations.
The heavy rains and flooding of the Beni summer made life
precarious for early settlers and so, in 1769, the town moved
nine miles away to a safer location from the flooding.
The move merely reduced the chaos, however, as the
Trinidad of today falls victim to extreme flooding on a yearly
basis and usually, its inhabitants can only wait for the
resultant disease to spread.
Indeed, building a home to withstand such deluges is low down on most
families’ lists of priorities. With an average wage of some $200 per month,
putting food on the table is a challenge in itself. The cycle of poverty is
further exacerbated by limited access to quality healthcare and education.
Yet, in the face of such hardship, Trinidad, now home to over 100,000, is a
city of vitality, the din of motorcycle engines resounding to a very Latin rhythm
of life. The average Trinidad resident is warm and hospitable and it is the
privilege of FT to be of some service to our community.
Bolivian city and home to Fundación Totaí.
Trinidad was founded on the banks of the great river Mamore in
1686 by Jesuit priest Father Cipriano Barace. At this time in
Bolivia’s history, the Jesuits wielded considerable influence and
Trinidad is surrounded by many other towns which were formerly
Jesuit mission stations.
The heavy rains and flooding of the Beni summer made life
precarious for early settlers and so, in 1769, the town moved
nine miles away to a safer location from the flooding.
The move merely reduced the chaos, however, as the
Trinidad of today falls victim to extreme flooding on a yearly
basis and usually, its inhabitants can only wait for the
resultant disease to spread.
Indeed, building a home to withstand such deluges is low down on most
families’ lists of priorities. With an average wage of some $200 per month,
putting food on the table is a challenge in itself. The cycle of poverty is
further exacerbated by limited access to quality healthcare and education.
Yet, in the face of such hardship, Trinidad, now home to over 100,000, is a
city of vitality, the din of motorcycle engines resounding to a very Latin rhythm
of life. The average Trinidad resident is warm and hospitable and it is the
privilege of FT to be of some service to our community.
| Statue of former President José Ballivián in Trinidad's main plaza |
| Motorcycles are Trinidad's main form of transport |
| Canoes rest on the shore of a nearby river |
