Dreams, Inclusion, and Api: The Story Behind a Family Business That’s Changing Lives

You always believed in us. Since you (Save the Children) arrived, our lives have changed,” Vilma- Rodrigo´s mother.

Rodrigo, a young man living with a disability, is an integral part of the family business “Apis el Dragón”—a small enterprise that has become a fundamental tool for his resilience, growth, and inclusion. Thanks to the support of the program, Rodrigo and his family have seen not only economic progress, but also profound personal transformation.

The business is dedicated to producing and selling api, a traditional Bolivian drink made from purple corn, flavored with cinnamon and cloves, and sweetened to taste. Served hot, it’s thick, comforting, and typically enjoyed in the morning—often accompanied by pastries like fritters or cheese empanadas. A staple in street markets and family breakfasts, api is both nourishing and deeply rooted in Bolivian culinary culture.

“This is a family business,” Rodrigo shares, “my siblings and my mother are all involved. Each of us has a role, and now the business is how we support ourselves.” The journey of Apis el Dragón reflects how family unity, combined with targeted program support, can empower entire households to overcome hardship.

Before their involvement in the program, Rodrigo’s family struggled to make ends meet and were in trouble due to severe poverty and lack of economic opportunities. “We barely had enough to eat or pay for utilities. We were always short on money,” he recalls. The program's support for entrepreneurship changed that. “Now we have more clients, we eat better, we’re saving, and our goal is to open another stand and hire other people with disabilities,” he adds.

All family members have benefited from training sessions, which have strengthened both their business and their relationships. “The trainings helped us communicate better, be more patient, and support each other,” says Rodrigo’s mother, Vilma. But for her, the biggest impact has been seeing her son grow in confidence: “Rodrigo used to be afraid to serve customers. Now he greets them, jokes, and manages transactions. That’s the most important change for me.”

Technicians from the program echo this transformation, highlighting Rodrigo’s increased openness and ability to connect with others. Today, he is the face of Apis el Dragón, interacting with customers and ensuring quality service.

The family has already taken big steps forward. With improved sales, they’ve opened a second stand managed by Rodrigo’s sister and are participating in seasonal fairs to increase income. Their dream? “To expand and offer more products—breakfasts, sandwiches—and create a warm, welcoming space for everyone,” says Vilma.

This dream is no longer far off. With the income they’ve generated, the family is building a home on their own land—far from El Alto city, but theirs. “When you rent, you suffer,” Vilma reflects. “I want my children to live in our own house. Rodrigo dreams of buying a car to help with the business. He’s learning to drive so he can deliver our apis every day.”

For Vilma, being a single mother of four—two of whom have disabilities—has meant navigating countless challenges. But it’s also fueled her determination to build a business grounded in respect, kindness, and inclusion. “I want our business to show that people with disabilities deserve dignity and opportunity.”

Rodrigo and his family actively support others, forming associations in their community to reach hidden and excluded people with disabilities. “We visit families in rural areas who hide or isolate their children. Now many of them go to school. We show them disability is not a barrier—we can all work and succeed,” she explains.

Their story is one of resilience, growth, and love. Cristian, Rodrigo’s younger brother, recently decided to return to school and will soon graduate—another milestone the family credits to the program’s encouragement.  Apis el Dragón is proof that with the right support, families can rise together, dream bigger, and become examples of hope in their communities.