Our Team
The team at Proyecto Horizonte currently has a staff of 75 employees, 20 interns and numerous volunteers. 95% of these employees are Bolivian locals. Every team member is important and each has a significant role to play. Just as they are dedicated to the welfare and development of the areas they work under, we are committed to their health and professional growth.
Below is a list of our team members and some information on what they do here. Please click on the names to learn more:
-
Christian Ruehmer
-
Eliza Wall
Eliza is the local head (CEO) of the NGO Proyecto Horizonte. She is responsible for the day-to-day management of the project, represents Proyecto Horizonte in Bolivia. Before that, Eliza was the Director of the newly formed area Fortalecimiento Comunitario. She also coordinated all volunteer activities of Proyecto Horizonte, placing the volunteers in the particular task of the project that fits their wishes and abilities.
-
Mabel Romero
Mabel is the director of the kindergarten and is thus directly responsible for over 160 children and 16 employees. She liaises with the education ministry, assures the highest quality work of the staff and education of the children. She also liaises between parents ensuring they are fully informed about their child’s education. -
Dr. Alvaro Mendoza Claros
Alvaro has headed the Health Centre since January 2005. He is responsible for the entire team of health professionals. He also coordinates collaborations with various government-run institutions that work towards contributing to the improvement of health in Ushpa-Ushpa. Since 2008, he extended the reach of the Centre to offer weekly medical visits to a neighbouring community.
-
Nicola Pauli
Nicola joined us in 2006. As the local CEO of the project until 2013, Nicola and has managed the growth of Proyecto Horizonte from its very early days. This has included the the opening and integration of the school and starting many initiatives that now have become an integral part of what we do. Since 2013 Nicola looks into way how to expand and replicate Proyecto Horizonte. -
Osvaldo Castro
Osvaldo the second co-founder and until his retirement was responsible for all local administration. He represented the project publicly when entering negotiations with public institutions and ensured that every cent was spent effectively and in line with the vision of the project. While he retired from work in 2011, he is still supporting us as an advisor.
-
Johan Börjesson
-
Anne Düffels
Anne is the coordinator of the sponsorship program. She has been a volunteer since 2011 and spent 6 months in Ushpa Ushpa. Since her return to Germany, she coordinates our child sponsorship program and ensures that each sponsor is informed about their child. Anne also organizes the sale of handicrafts of the women’s group Tantakuna in Europe.
-
Steve Birke
Steve is the Treasurer of Bolivian Charity Foundation. He is also involved in activities to expand our operations. Steve Birke has been a Wall Street operations and technology manager for the last 30 years. Now is his time to give back via charity work. He supports our technology, funding and strategic planning initiatives. -
Claudia Laur