At the heart of BQEF, is the transformative power of learning.

The Bolivian Quaker Education Fund (BQEF) is a 501(c)(3) established in 2003 to support connections between, Andean, U.S., and U.K. Quakers through educational programming.

Since then we have expanded our mission to encompass support for Indigenous Bolivian young-adults, with barriers to higher education, regardless of their religion.

In 2026, we began providing small grants to support the educational work of graduates from the scholarship program who have gone on to become leaders in their communities and whose work embody Quaker Testimonies of peace, justice, integrity, community, and stewardship.

This includes, scholarships for high school students graduating from the AVP/PAV Bolivia boarding house in Sorata. These students come from rural villages where secondary and higher education are nearly impossible to access. With AVP/PAV Bolivia staff support, they can reach academic goals and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Other BQEF non-formal education initiatives include:

  • Alternatives to Violence (AVP) workshops,

  • Paid Internships for Bolivian Students,

  • Volunteer Opportunities in Bolivia,

  • Zoom Conferences with Scholars

  • Quaker Study Tours to Bolivia.

"Your energy and vision have grown from small seeds of hope to young, strong saplings of joy."

BQEF Scholar Ruben Ruiz

“With the scholarship, I can study more and my grades have improved. Before, I was working at a fast food shop from seven in the evening until two or three in the morning, six days a week. In four weeks I earned about $58 and was able to pay my tuition. Now with the scholarship, I have stopped this work. I stay awake better during classes and can study without falling asleep. The scholarship has made all the difference for me."

Irene McHenry, former director, of Friends Council on Education

" My ambition to help becarios--now a total of three--attend university has become a reality by BQEF and Alicia Lucasi, BQEF's onsite coordinator. Through Alicia, I receive periodic written progress reports, complete with photographs, of each of the three becarios' progress. And, thanks to periodic video conferences , I have met these young men and women and am beginning to know them, even though I have not yet visited Bolivia. Through video, I have been inside their homes, met their parents, and had lengthy conversations with them about their lives and ambitions. Of course, these meetings depend on my being able to speak and understand Spanish, which is a joy in itself. The greatest satisfaction, though, is seeing young becarios realize their dreams of learning a profession.”

Bill Thompson, Friends Meeting of Washington

Success Stories from BQEF’s First Cohorts

Ana Callisaya

"I was all ready to begin my university studies, but then my father lost his job and told me that he could no longer afford to pay my fees. I was devastated, because I counted on being able to improve myself and help my family. Then Hermano Bernabé told us of the possibility of a scholarship. I could hardly believe it. It seemed like a miracle." Anna has graduated, is practicing dentistry in a municipal medical center, and took the lead in initiating a Healthy Students program for Quaker schools.

Esther Tinco Mamani

Esther, an agricultural engineering graduate, tells of the class project in which they participated in a survey of rural farming practices, learning that more than 80% use toxic chemicals with resulting significant illness and birth defects.  They worked with a UN Food and Agriculture Organization project teaching organic methods and helping the urban poor in El Alto establish micro-gardens in their homes. Her team took top honors in the class for their work.

Valeria Carita Lupa

Valeria, a social work student, engaged in a practicum working with youth in El Alto helped develop a curriculum dealing with self-esteem, gender equity, and domestic violence. Valeria also volunteered in a literacy program while studying.