con Bolivia

SOME OF OUR PROJECTS

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR UNIVERSITY STUDY:

In the rural areas of Bolivia, the opportunity to attend university has been virtually nonexistent to aspiring students from the poorest families. Recognizing this, con Bolivia is now working with a group of five rural universities, Unidades Academicas Campesinas (UAC's), to provide scholarships to deserving students from some of the poorest areas in Bolivia. These UAC's, are located in the altiplano, (Tiahuanaco, Escoma, Pucarani, and Batallas,) and in the Coroico region, UAC-Carmen Pampa. What began in 2006 with the award of three scholarships to graduates from a small high school in Ch'alla, Isla del Sol, has grown into a thriving program that conferred 7 full scholarships in 2010, including four scholarships to orphans from the Potosi area. The UAC system offers academic degrees in Veterinary Science, Agronomy, Nursing, and Rural Tourism, all areas which allow graduates to strengthen the sustainable development and cultural preservation of their rural communities.

SUPPORT FOR THESIS PROJECTS:

A natural extension of the scholarship program has been supporting thesis projects. A written thesis proposal, and the completion of the proposed research, is a requirement for graduation in the UAC system. A sad reality is that frequently, students complete the educational requirements for their degree, but lack the funding to complete the thesis project. As a result, many students leave the university system without a degree in hand. con Bolivia is excited about providing support to worthy students who are eager to complete their thesis projects. Research topics include: In Vitro Cultivation of Endangered Species of Orchids; Control of Late Blight with Fungal Extracts; Control of Nematodes in Coffee; Feasibility Study for a Pig Farm in Yungas. Supporting thesis research is a fulfilling new focus area for con Bolivia.