Giving a voice to those who are not heard
Carolina Zaballa Romero is a psychologist, artist, human rights activist—and, since August, the new coordinator for South America at Connexio hope and develop. She talks about her first impressions and how and why she got involved.
Carolina has been our new coordinator since August 2025. What kind of person is she? What drives her? And which projects are particularly close to her heart? We asked her.
Carolina, you are the new coordinator for projects in Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. Please introduce yourself briefly.
I come from a family of very strong women who taught me from childhood to fight and raise my voice. I reject violence, discrimination, exploitation, racism, and machismo. I believe in children, women, people with disabilities, older people, migrants, and indigenous peoples. I believe in equality, justice, solidarity, and respect. I fight for these things so that the world will be a better place for those who follow in our footsteps. I am a dreamer, persistent and creative. But I also have the courage to fight for what is right. And I have learned to paint a smile of hope in the most desolate places.
What have been some of the best moments for you as coordinator so far?
The Connexio team has welcomed me with open arms; I feel a sense of camaraderie and connection that spans different continents. We may speak different languages, but we find a way to understand each other. Just ask Andreas, the program manager, who is very patient with my Spanglish during our weekly meetings!
Is there a project that is particularly close to your heart?
All of our partners submit proposals that inspire me. But there are three projects that are particularly close to my heart: the two projects Lechería de la Solidaridad in Argentina and Fundación SEPA in Bolivia. At Lechería, children can simply be children before returning to the harsh reality of their struggle for survival. At Fundación SEPA, children and young people with and without disabilities find a way to express themselves through art. Working with children and young people is complex, and despite the economic crises, those responsible are finding creative ways to support them. The third project, Observatorio de Violencia Obstétrica in Bolivia, is committed to the prevention of gender-based violence, especially violence in obstetrics. As a psychologist, I have worked with women who have survived violence and seen the destruction it causes. This very harsh reality affects thousands of women and children in the region. It is urgent that we address this need with heart and courage.
Where do you see the strengths of the people in Bolivia; what can you build on?
Bolivia officially recognizes 36 indigenous peoples. Thirty-six indigenous languages and Spanish are spoken. This diversity enriches us; we are so different, yet at the same time very similar. The communal approach strengthens us, and we find ways to communicate and respect majority decisions. The people of Bolivia are very hardworking and creative. Despite the current crisis in the country, many have created their own informal jobs in order to survive.
You studied in Argentina and the US, and you could probably find a job there too. Why did you come back to Bolivia?
I came back from abroad during the holidays to visit my family and organized a Christmas campaign for children who live with their fathers and mothers in prison. This campaign had a profound impact on my life, because I was outraged by the indifference of the people and the authorities and the inhumane conditions in which these children live. I vowed not to leave my country until I had improved the living conditions of these people. It was very difficult to see that human rights only existed on paper. We fought together with the children and their mothers and made friends through painting, music, and theater. Now there are serious problems with nutrition and access to education. Our society is so fragmented and the laws don't work. I have therefore learned to set short-term goals and to rejoice in small steps of progress so that I can continue with renewed strength. It is important to take action, to bring about change, to make the invisible visible, and to give a voice to those who are not heard.
In brief:
I recharge my batteries by... I am creative: in acting, dancing, writing, or painting. And I am the mother of two beautiful girls, with whom I play a lot.
When your little daughters ask what you do for a living... I say that I connect people in different countries. I help them recognize their strengths and be of greater benefit to the people they represent. I support committed individuals in starting on their journey if they truly want to change the world.
I wish my country Bolivia... a culture of peace and reconciliation, and that the authorities have a heart in red, yellow, and green to advance this beautiful country.
Help us!
Connexio develop supports several projects in Bolivia in the areas of education and agriculture, working together with local civil society organizations.
