Cala, Anssery Ivia Mamani
Anssery Ivia Mamani Cala is an international Global Mission Fellow with the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, engaged in a two-year term of service.
The Global Mission Fellows program takes young adults ages 20-30 out of their home environments and places them in new contexts for mission experience and service. The program has a strong emphasis on faith and justice. Global Mission Fellows become active parts of their new local communities. They connect the church in mission across cultural and geographical boundaries. They grow in personal and social holiness and become strong young leaders working to build just communities in a peaceful world.
Ivia is a lay member of El Buen Camino, El Alto, part of the Evangelical Methodist Church in Bolivia. She is actively involved in local and district church activities. She earned a diploma/certificate in education.
She described her spiritual development as a profound journey of self-discovery and connection with herself. From her family, she learned to value nature, community and the importance of being in balance with everything around her. “Although life has taken me down challenging paths that have often sought to distance me from life in Christ and my purpose on earth,” Ivia said, “I’ve always felt an inner call to return to the essential, to that which gives meaning to existence: service to others.”
As an early childhood educator, Ivia witnessed firsthand the needs of the most vulnerable people. “I realized,” she said, “how much we can transform lives when we offer care, love and support, especially to the youngest children, who need a suitable environment to thrive. This awakened in me a deep desire to go beyond, not to limit myself to one environment but to extend my help to those most in need, no matter where they are.” She views Global Mission Fellows as a way to realize this purpose and as a calling she cannot ignore.
“I have a desire to connect with others from different cultures, learn from their strengths and contribute my best,” Ivia declared. “This path pushes me to step out of my comfort zone, to continually transform myself and to give meaning to my life through service. It’s an opportunity to embody my principles and values in every aspect of my life. I am convinced that this calling goes beyond the personal, serving as a path to align my faith, my values and my actions with a greater purpose: the pursuit of justice, equity and service to others.
“I firmly believe that working for the well-being of others not only enriches the lives of those who directly benefit, but also profoundly transforms us as human beings.”
Ivia appreciates the program’s holistic approach, which combines personal growth, professional training and a commitment to justice. “Being part of a community that shares these ideals,” she said, “amplifies my ability to positively impact society while inspiring me to continue advancing my purpose. Living my faith means acting consistently, always seeking to be a tool for positive change.”
Ivia is particularly interested in sharing her training as an educator, her experience in early childhood care and her commitment to children’s rights. “I strongly believe in the power of education as a transformative tool,” she said, “not only for children but also for communities as a whole. This program offers me the ideal platform to put into practice what I’ve learned and what I’m passionate about: working for a more just and inclusive world.”
She is certain that her skills in designing educational plans, leading teams and communicating ideas clearly and empathetically will allow her to collaborate effectively with other fellows and local communities. “I hope to combine this knowledge with my interests in social justice and community development,” Ivia said, “participating in initiatives that seek to address root social problems, especially those related to children and inequality.”
Because she is bilingual and adaptable to diverse cultural contexts, Ivia believes she will be able to integrate into new communities and learn from their perspectives.
“As a fellow,” she concluded, “I want not only to be an active contributor but also a constant learner, absorbing the experiences and lessons from the program to apply in the future. I am confident that this experience will allow me to consolidate my life and spiritual purpose: to build a lasting impact through leadership, service and education.”