Education in Bolivia

The differences between life in the US and life in Bolivia are striking. But, wherever one lives, one thing always remains the same. The better one's education, the better chance one has to provide a better life for himself or herself as well as for one's family.
This is very true in the USA. College graduates will make a much greater salary (unless one is fortunate enough to play professional sports and excel at them) than a high school dropout. And the same holds true in other parts of the world. This is why sponsorships of all types...be it Compassion or another organization...stress the need for educating these young children.
The following is from Compassion's website and is a synopsis on the education system in Bolivia:

"The typical school year runs from February through November. Eight years are required for primary school then another four years are necessary to graduate from high school.

In the face of poverty and long-term political instability in Bolivia, the educational attitude of Bolivians is positive. People view education as a tool to improve their incomes and a way to improve their quality of life.

Even though an education is a basic requirement to get a better job, it is still considered a privilege to have an educated person in the family. Those who are educated enjoy better health care for themselves and their children. They also have better possibilities to improve their incomes and to obtain a job. Almost 60 percent of the population has no job. Additionally, 15 percent of those who work are overqualified and underpaid for the jobs they are doing.

Many Bolivians who attend school only go for six years. In recent years, many adult educators have been working toward social justice, focusing students on economic opportunities while maintaining their indigenous cultures. The process, particularly for women and minorities, is complex due to the socio-cultural context in which the learning takes place. However, when the educational model takes daily life within the local cultures into account, true learning and change can be seen."

Tomorrow I'll give a quick look at the religious culture in Bolivia.