News

Congratulations to Martha Silva Canaviri on her graduation from the University of San Andres with a degree in Geotechnical Engineering. We're especially gratified when female students are empowered to enter traditionally male fields, particularly in a machismo culture.

(Martha and a classmate analyze materials from a field trip, above.)

Martha’s coursework included environmental impact studies. In one course, she learned to recognize different layers of clay and sandy soil by color and structure. 

She  learned to analyze the soil and water, and to study the distinct types of vegetation and animals in an area. The course included field work and classroom study.

Martha also participated in a case study of the impact of a supermarket in Achacachi, looking at both the positive and negative effects.

Congratulations to Sonia Carolina Llanque Quispe on graduating as a nursing assistant. Sonia graduated from the INFOCAL Technical Institute thanks in part to donors who supported her BQEF scholarship.

Sonia’s studies included practicums in various wards in the hospital. In the Emergency Room she learned to give blood transfusions. In her community health course, she researched and made a presentation to her class about care of pregnant women in the home.

She learned to provide both physical and emotional care for patients who could not move themselves in the trauma ward, and assisted in surgery for a broken nose in the ear, nose, and throat clinic.

Sonia is particularly concerned about children’s health and took part in a vaccination campaign. It was a very good experience for her training and a successful campaign.

President Evo Morales awarded Lourdes Quenta Perca the title of Textile Engineer on August 2, 2014. She was among the first professional graduates of the Indigenous Universities of Bolivia (UNIBOL).

Imagine trying to struggle through law school without your own set of textbooks!  Now imagine the joy and relief in finding out that you don't have to, thanks to a generous Friend who believes in education.

As you may already know, Newton Garver died peacefully at home on Saturday, February 8 with his wife Anneliese present.  While we regret the end of his life with us, we give thanks for the inspiration and example that Newton provided.

Bolivian Friends will hold a meeting for remembrance in celebration of the life and ministry of Newton, at Friends Church on Max Paredes tomorrow, March 8, at 10:00 am La Paz time (9 am EST).

BQE-Bolivia alumni, students, and parents, along with other Bolivian Friends who have known and worked with Newton, will be in attendance. They will meet until noon and then share an Apthapi lunch – an Aymara-style potluck.*

Bernabé Yujra, who together with “Brother Newton” began the work that grew into BQEF, writes: “We hope you will join us in spirit with your prayers this day.” 

A Memorial Meeting will be held at the Orchard Park Meetinghouse, 6924 E. Quaker St., Orchard Park, NY, on May 3 at 11 A.M.  Friends who cannot make that gathering are again invited to be present in thought and prayer.

Ninety five percent of the 30,000 Quakers in Bolivia are Aymara. Aymara Indians have inhabited the Altiplano from Peru down to Chile long before the Incas invaded to control the Andean commerce. The ruins at Tiwanaku (60 k from LaPaz) reveal a thriving highly developed culture which rivals the art, irrigation, and architecture of ancient Egypt. The Aymaras may have arrived in the Andes as early as 1400 BC and the Incas arrived in the Altiplano about 1440.

“Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy and sustainable human development.” ~Kofi Annan

There is so much good work calling for our support as individuals, meetings, Friends. This time of year it can be hard to select from among the many appeals when deciding where to focus our giving.

Always, I am called back to this brilliant insight by Kofi Annan. Particularly in a small, emerging nation like Bolivia, where educated and ethical young people, living out their Quaker faith, can hold more sway in goverment and civil society. And where young Bolivian Friends like Irma Lima Tarqui give so generously of their time and treasure to help others, like the young students pictured here.