Bolivia, known for its large Indigenous populations, continues to face socioeconomic challenges that restrict necessary access to quality education. Over one-third of the population lives below the national poverty (about 36.5% in 2023)1 and roughly 13% of children are not even enrolled in school2. This largely stems from the number of students at each school which decreases the quality of education of the students. This over-crowdedness and high pupil-teacher ratios are considered to be the most important problems at schools in Bolivia3.
In the Cercado Province, home of the statue Cristo de la Concordia, these national issues are particularly seen in low-income areas. Schools here often face overcrowding, have a lack of good learning materials, and do not provide enough support for students who fall behind. Schools in the Cercado Province have over 2,000 students attending because of the lack of infrastructure4. Students often have to walk up to 4 hours just to get to school so they can graduate high school. This leads to many issues, including being sexually abused on the walk home because of the late hour in which they return5. This combination of factors creates a need for more inclusive and supportive educational environments.
HXP Builders will partner with a local school to construct 3 new school classrooms in a vulnerable neighborhood of the Cercado Province to help provide a safe and inclusive learning space. These classrooms will be designed to specifically help 120 more students each year to finish high school. Through these efforts, HXP Builders hope to give more opportunities for locals to improve high school retention and allow more children each year to receive the education necessary to help them find more success and opportunities in life.
Sources:
1 BTI
5 Itaka Escolapios