There are limited education and employment opportunities for young people. In rural areas, where the majority of Bolivia's large indigenous population live, 84% of the population earns a living from agricultural activities that yield low levels of income and offer few possibilities to increase earnings. These communities lack access to basic services, such as primary health care and education. Malnutrition is common, increasing the risk of disease and early death.

The YMCA has been present in Bolivia since 1943. Y Care International has been working in Bolivia since 1989, in partnership with YMCA Kanata. Our most recent work has focused on sexual and reproductive health promotion and tackling HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination affecting rural young people and communities.