El Hormigon Armado

Since 2005, Hormigón Armado has been working with street children and youth in La Paz, Bolivia. Our primary focus is on shoe shiners (Lustrabotas), a marginalized group within Bolivian society facing numerous challenges. Currently, we collaborate with 60 shoe shiners and their family members, totaling approximately 200 individuals.

 

Shoe shining is part of Bolivia’s informal economy, which often leaves Lustrabotas without access to basic labor rights. Many of these young shoe shiners are underage, lack access to education, and live in poverty – some are even homeless. 

Hormigón Armado strives to defend and strengthen the dignity of shoe shiners, aiming to improve their standing in society. Because of the discrimination they face, many shoe shiners cover their faces with ski masks to avoid being recognized by peers or employers.

 

Our foremost concern is to protect children and adolescents from the dangers of exploitation, which can gravely affect their development. We aim to boost their self-confidence and support them in turning their hopes into a future they choose for themselves.

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