When Evo Morales became President of Bolivia last year, many anticipated a dawn of a new era in Bolivia.

He’s the first indigenous head of state since the Spanish Conquest almost 500 years ago, and his election was seen as a break from colonial and imperialist ties.

Morales has taken a strong stance against the U.S. government’s efforts to eradicate coca.  He supports alternative uses for coca such as an additive in tea, shampoo, and even bread.

Yasmin Khan is a journalist and activist whose been living and working in Bolivia. Since 2004. She’s currently a fellow with Medill’s Academy of Alternative Media.   Yaseem Khan explaines how she started working in Bolivia.