Bolivia – Expanding educational opportunities in the Amazon
In one of Bolivia’s most remote regions, this project transformed access to education through the construction of a fully equipped school.
Life in Rural Pando
Fortaleza is a small rural community located in Pando, a remote region in the Bolivian Amazon. The area is characterized by vast forests, scattered communities and limited access to basic services.
Many families depend on Brazil nut harvesting as their main source of income. While the region is rich in natural resources, access to quality education has historically been limited, especially for children living in isolated rural communities.
Why This Project Was Needed
Before the project, children attended classes in an outdated school with limited facilities. The building offered only four small classrooms, basic sanitation and very few educational resources.
Students lacked access to suitable learning spaces, updated books, recreational areas and modern equipment. As a result, educational opportunities in the region remained far behind those available in urban areas, making it difficult for children to reach their full potential.
Building a New School
To address the challenges faced by children in Fortaleza, a new educational campus was built between 2018 and 2019.
The project replaced an outdated school with a modern 1,200 m² facility designed to provide a safe and supportive learning environment. The new campus includes eight classrooms, sanitation facilities with running water, a library, computer room, teachers’ room and recreational spaces.
For the first time, children in the community had access to educational facilities comparable to those found in more developed areas of the country.
Spaces for Learning
Education requires more than a classroom. The new school was designed to support learning, creativity and personal development.
Bright classrooms, age-appropriate furniture and dedicated learning spaces help create an environment where students can focus, participate and grow. The addition of a library and educational materials also expanded access to knowledge and learning opportunities for children of all ages.
Beyond the Classroom
The project also created spaces where children can play, exercise and interact with their classmates.
A playground and multifunctional sports area provide opportunities for recreation and physical activity, helping create a balanced school experience and encouraging students to spend more time in a safe and welcoming environment.
The Impact
The new school transformed access to education in Fortaleza and surrounding communities.
With enough classrooms for each grade level, students can now learn in a more structured and effective environment. Improved facilities, educational resources and recreational areas have helped create better conditions for learning and attendance.
Today, the school serves around 200 children and benefits more than 80 indigenous and rural families, providing opportunities that were previously unavailable in this remote part of the Bolivian Amazon.
Completed in 2019, the school continues to provide quality education for children in Fortaleza and surrounding communities. What was once a community with limited educational facilities now has a modern learning environment that will benefit future generations for years to come.
How can you help us make a difference?
With your support we can continue to work on improving the living conditions of communities involved in our supply chain. We will build schools, community centers and address the most pressing needs. Together we can make a difference.