Mission
Network of Bolivian Adoptees (NOBA) is an initiative created to connect Bolivian adoptees across the globe in order to provide network, resources, and community. Through communal work and effort we are working on initiatives for our community in the global north as well as locally in Bolivia. This includes giving support to families of origin and documenting our history and stories as adoptees. We strive to create a safe space only accessible for Bolivian adoptees; that upholds values of equality and diversity, which embraces LGBTQIA+, feminism and anti-racism values. These values are upheld within the online and offline space we have created. NOBA is currently active on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Gmail and Whatsapp.
History
NOBA was founded in November 2017 by Atamhi and Vicente, quickly resulting in adoptees from a wide array of countries joining the community. At the time of writing this, we have over 300 members. NOBA started out as a Facebook Group which later expanded into the offline realm. In 2019 we organised our first International Gathering in Belgium, followed by Sweden (2020), Italy (2022), and Germany (2023). International gatherings have featured presentations, panels, and sharing of experiences. From 2023 the International Gatherings will be arranged biannually. In 2022 we released our first book documenting the diverse experience of Bolivian adoptees.
Milestones
2017: Founding of Network of Bolivian Adoptees
2019: First International Gathering in Belgium
2020: Second International Gathering in Sweden
2020: Beginning of the Bolivian Monday Talks
2022: Launch of the book “Communal Histories of Displacement and Adoption”
2022: Third International Gathering in Italy
2023: Fourth International Gathering in Germany
2023: Launch of the DNA project “Collectively Searching for Our Families”
Core Team
Atamhi Cawayu (2017 - present)
Vicente (2017 - present)
Teresa Norman (2019 - 2023)
Louise (2022 - 2024)