Bolivian Quaker Education (BQE)

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Bolivian Quaker Education (BQE) is a Bolivian non-profit organisation working to improve education for the Aymara, a large portion of Bolivia’s indigenous majority. One of its most important projects is the Internado Pallca Pampa-BQE, a student residence that enables young people from isolated rural communities to attend secondary schools in Sorata. In addition to a safe and supervised home-away-from-home, the internado provides educational enrichment, guidance and support, career orientation, and life skills in a warm and loving community. It does not discriminate on the basis of religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. For students who come from some of the world’s most severe rural poverty, education can change lives for present and future generations. Young indigenous professionals are needed in the current cultural and political transformation.
Begun in 2006, the internado has received generous support from friends in several countries that enabled the purchase of a former bed and breakfast, an ideal setting for current needs. It now serves 21 students from communities as much as a 9 hour walk from the high school. Four students have recently been honored as flag bearers in civic holiday parades; 3 as the best in grade level, one best in the school. Another is the province chess champion. Three of the first 4 graduates are enrolled in post-secondary study. All 4 most recent grads plan to enter university in January. It will be exciting to watch these young people develop their abilities in the future.
With capable administration and good program in place, the internado is entering a new phase –small business projects to teach useful skills and generate income. The first venture is a small bakery where students will produce nutritious breads and specialty products for their own consumption and for sale to local tourist hostels. Please see our project description and photos. Any amount will help to change lives. ¡Muchas gracias!