
SHIFT in Bolivia
Authored in coordination with Gaia Pacha.
How can a large organization like Save the Children move forward and help amplify youth-led movements driven by change-makers? This question gave rise to the SHIFT strategy in 2019, designed to empower children and adolescents to lead their own communication campaigns that drive meaningful change in their communities.
In Bolivia, SHIFT was first implemented in 2022 in Cochabamba. The pilot initiative involved the Departmental Platform for the Prevention of Adolescent and Youth Pregnancy (PDPEAJ) and Panda Scout, who addressed issues of intra-familial sexual violence and HIV prevention.
By 2023, both organizations continued to promote their campaigns and joined forces around the theme of “preventing adolescent pregnancy.” Together, they reached over 5 million people through in-person events, media interviews, and online community building. A milestone achievement came that same year, when the Departmental Legislative Assembly of Cochabamba passed Departmental Law 1146 on the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy.
During 2024 and 2025, under the leadership of the local foundation Gaia Pacha, adolescent groups including Partners Campus San Simón, GYBN, and JCI Tunari launched the campaign “Take Off – For a Sustainable Llajta.” This effort encouraged young entrepreneurs to run their businesses with environmentally friendly practices and inspired consumers to choose eco-friendly products to reduce environmental impact.
The campaign reached more than 6 million people, positioning the issue on the public agenda through dialogue spaces that brought together private companies, academia, public institutions, entrepreneurs, and young “shifters.” The local partner also produced a Training Guide on Green Entrepreneurship.
Today, advocacy efforts are focused on amending Regional Law 995 (“Made in Cochabamba” Seal) and supporting a new Regional Bill on Youth Employability and Entrepreneurship.