One in every seven children in Bolivia does not complete primary school, while over one million Bolivian citizens over the age of 15 are unable to read or write. The main reason for a lack of widespread education, particularly in rural regions, is the need for children to work and support family income. Without sufficient resources, families cannot invest in the education of their children.

To read about Youth and Education issues in Bolivia, click here.

To support local youth and education programs, FSD interns, volunteers, and donors work with community-based organizations to:

• Train at-risk girls to achieve better in school, improve family relationships, enhance job opportunities, and assertively exercise rights and responsibilities. The program also develops microenterprise projects such as a cafe and artisan's store so girls and their families can build business skills.
• Provide care for children and infants ranging from 6 months to 12 years old who come from low-income families or have been abandoned, orphaned, or abused. Recreational and athletic activities are also offered to the children.
• Teach and tutor children and adults in vocational skills, reading, English, environmental education, ethics, theatre, math, farming, health, intra-familial violence prevention, computer skills, sewing, literacy, women's empowerment, nutrition, family education, leadership, children's rights, and parenting.
• Train teachers in rural schools, while organizing community activities for parents, teachers, and local authorities to maximize available resources and resolve education-related problems.
• Provide workshops for high school and university students, parent associations, teachers, media, armed forces, prisons, churches, and other institutions. Themes for workshops include: community health, HIV/AIDS awareness, HIV/AIDS stigma reduction, and gender equity.

Read more about Youth and Education programs and opportunities initiated by our Community Partners in Bolivia.

For a description of the opportunities available in each development subject addressed by FSD in Bolivia, click on the links below:

Microfinance • Environment • Health • Youth and Education
Women's Empowerment • Community Development • Human Rights

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