Shelén Hughes, Founder

Voices for Bolivia envisions a society where every elderly individual, regardless
of socioeconomic status, is afforded dignity, companionship, and access to
basic necessities.
Our vision is rooted in the belief that classical music
possesses the transformative power to affect societal change, preserving
cultural heritage, fostering well-being, and fighting to break the cycle of poverty.
Hello! I am Shelén, a classical singer from Cochabamba, Bolivia. I believe that an artist has a unique opportunity to change the world one act at a time. When I decided to combine my passion for music with social service, voices for Bolivia was born. Join me as we work to end poverty cycles and change lives.
Shelén Hughes, FounderHello! I’m Shelén, a classical singer from Cochabamba, Bolivia. I believe that as artists, we have a unique responsibility to use our voices to challenge perceptions, inspire hope, and advocate for change. With this mission in mind, I founded Voices for Bolivia— combining my passion for music with a commitment to social service. Join me, as we work to break the cycles of poverty and transform lives through the power of classical music.
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Around 60% of Bolivia’s population lives in extreme poverty, and currently, 80% of the elderly population resides in rural areas where access to basic services and medical care is limited. Bolivia’s pension system is often insufficient to meet the basic needs of older adults. While the government provides a non-contributory pension called Renta Dignidad, which offers a small monthly stipend to individuals over 60, it is generally not enough to cover the cost of living—especially in urban areas, where expenses are higher.
Older Bolivians are especially vulnerable to economic fluctuations. Many rely on informal work or family support, both of which can be unstable. Economic downturns, inflation, and lack of savings make it difficult for elderly individuals to maintain a stable quality of life, often pushing them deeper into poverty.
In addition to financial hardship, many elderly Bolivians live in substandard housing. In rural areas, homes may lack basic amenities such as running water, sanitation, and heating. In urban slums, older adults often face overcrowding and poor infrastructure, which exacerbate the challenges they face on a daily basis.
It is all too common to see elderly individuals begging for food, clothing, or money, as
they are often left to rely on the kindness of others to survive.
Our 10-year plan includes establishing a facility that will provide essential support to
elderly individuals at no cost. The services will include:
Access to medical care
A private bedroom with a bed, nightstand, and window
Three nutritious meals per day
A strong sense of community
Preservation of dignity
Dignity