Our Work

The Bolivian Quaker Education Fund (BQEF) is a 501(c)(3) established in 2003 to support connections between, Andean, American, and European Friends. On the ground, the dedicated staff and volunteers of BQEF's sister organization Fundación Quakera para la Educación en Bolivia, based in La Paz, run several education-based programs.

At the heart of our work, is the Scholar Program which provides scholarships for higher education and mentoring for Andean Friends.

Other non-formal education initiatives that we support include:

  • Alternatives to Violence Workshops,

  • Quaker Education Workshops,

  • Internships for Bolivian Students,

  • Volunteer Opportunities in Bolivia,

  • Traveling Apprenticeships for Bolivian Teachers, and

  • Quaker Study Tours to Bolivia.

Irene McHenry, former director, of Friends Council on Education

"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."

Success Stories

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. She helped develop a curriculum dealing with self-esteem, gender equity, and domestic violence. Valeria also volunteered in a literacy program while studying.