Scholars Gallery

Martha Quispe Laura is in her 8th semester at UPEA studying Education Sciences. She recently traveled to the town of Copacabana with her classmates to administer surveys on the quality of education and on the prioritization of implementing multiculturalism and bilingualism.

Martha also works with the Salvation Army Integral Development Center, located in the city of El Alto. The Center provides psycho-educational support to children aged 5-7 who have different learning problems such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dyslalia, and psychological problems such as hyperactivity, anxiety, apathy, family problems, etc.

Martha has had a BQEF scholarship since January, 2010. Her studies are sponsored by a private donor.

Mario is in his 8th semester studying Education Science with a focus on alternative education at UPEA, Achacachi campus. He chose this program so he could become a teacher in First Day School to help his younger brothers and sisters of the church. He studied Theology and Auto Mechanics before choosing education. His favorite subject is educational research. Together with Panfilo Chura, Mario developed a project for Quaker Radio in Achacachi, a project on Environmental Contamination in the schools of Achacachi with the support of PADEM, and a project of "Forestation of Pine and Eucalyptus Trees."

Olga is in her 4th year of Auditor studies at UMSA (Universidad Mayor de San Andrés). She tells us she has learned a lot in her studies and practicums, and that what attracted her to this major was accounting norms and standards.

Olga also tells us she is committed to improving her skills, but that she also argues - that sometimes teachers are wrong in their scoring and do not acknowledge their mistakes when they’re brought to their attention.

Primitiva and her classmates designed and made fashionable dresses incorporating traditional Aymara themes. Miss La Paz candidates modeled the clothing in a fashion show. A number of organizations attended the show and offered their congratulations to the students.
The organizations, many of them international, spread appreciation for beauty of the textiles, as well as provide markets.

Primitiva likes to carry a pair of chopsticks with her for use in managing the yarns on the knitting machine.

Raquel Quisbert Cama and Classmates with Neonatology practice dolls.

Rene is in his 3rd semester studying law at UPEA, where he enjoys learning about rules and laws. He wants to become a professional so he can be a better person and serve his community in conflict resolution. He aspires to become a teacher at the University.

Rene did not have to work the 1st and 2nd semesters at the University because his parents helped cover his expenses by selling their products and animals. However, his costs are higher now, and he currently works nights and weekends as a tailor to pay for expenses. He requested a scholarship to cover the additional costs of his University studies.

Ronald is studying Law at UMSA (Universidad Mayor de San Andrés). He chose this field because he likes to help people resolve their problems.

His father works as a clerk handling cables at a communications company, and his mother is a housewife. Ronald has 2 brothers who are studying in school. Ronald’s father helps with his school expenses, but this support is not sufficient.

In his spare time he plays soccer with his brothers, and helps his parents on the weekends. Ronald and his family are members of Santidad Friends Church, where he helps lead the youth worship.

Soledad is studying nutrition at UMSA (Universidad Mayor de San Andrés). She is committed to studying nutrition because most of her people have poor eating habits. She was inspired to study this career because of her father and her sister’s dedication to healthy food. She enjoys doing all the activities, and with her knowledge and experience she gives lectures and workshops to others.

Soledad has two younger brothers and an older sister. Her sister is a nurse, and is currently living with her mother. Her two brothers are studying in school. Her father is director of CDI, which is a minimum wage job and has an office in the District. Her mother works in Santa Monica caring for the elderly (a temporary job).

Wilder is in his 4th semester studying Industrial Mechanics in the Pedro Domingo Murillo Industrial School, in La Paz. His favorite course is Workshop because it offers practical knowledge that he can use to help people. He enjoys the interactive relationship with his instructors because each one has to continually develop themselves and everyone learns. When finished with his education, Wilder wants to design a wheelchair for his uncle, who has a foot ailment.

Wilder has 3 brothers and 3 sisters. He and his older brother live with their mother in a rented house. His mother, Hilaria Pillco, is a member of the Gregorio Artesans, a highly skilled craft shop. His father has passed away.