Ryan Visits Bolivia
Did you know that the average GDP per capita in Bolivia is $4,500 (US) and about 10% use the Internet? While statistics like these may seem discouraging, groups throughout Bolivia are energized and working towards creating more opportunities for their communities and their youth.
Our Director of Strategic Partnerships, Regina Ryan, met with three such groups interested in partnering with WCE when she visited Bolivia in September 2009 as part of WCE's continued effort to expand our work and Partnerships in Bolivia. She returned to Boliva in September 2010 for a second meeting with the Santa Cruz Rotary Club about providing computers through their Minga Digital initiative.
In October 2009, Regina Ryan, Director of Strategic Partnerships for WCE met with three organizations about providing computers for rural schools and a university. Colegio de Economistas de Santa Cruz, (pictured) Fundacion Trabajo Empresa and Rotary Club Santa Cruz de la Sierra with which WCE has a long relationship. These organizations are in the planning stage of putting together the funding for a shared container.The photo shows Regina Ryan with representative of Colegio de Economistas de Santa Cruz.. (Pictured from left to right – First row: Lic. Silver Alfonso Hurtado (1er Vicepresidente del C.E.S.C.) , Regina Ryan, Lic. Maria Fátima Antequera (Secretaria de Desarrollo Humano). Second Row: Lic. David Lozano (Comisión de Proyectos, Alianzas Estrategicas), Fernando Figueroa, Marco Montellanos, Lic. Julio Cesar Melgar (Secretario de Deportes) , Lic. Marcelo Núñez (2do Vice Presidente) y Lic. Juan Carlos Rau Flores (Presidente).
David Lozano is a member of WCE's small governing Board of Directors and a resident of Santa Cruz.. David has worked for a variety of development agencies and mining companies in Bolivia and is committed to making this project a success - and use it to leverage additional shipments. Lozano said, "WCE is excited that more organizations in Bolivia are interested in Partnering with us. “There is no shortage of enthusiasm in Santa Cruz”, said David Lozano, “Learning and using new technology, especially in an educational setting, offers a gateway to further economic prosperity for Bolivia”.
“It was so encouraging to meet with these groups and hear about their efforts to broaden learning for the youth in Bolivia” said Regina Ryan. “Computers are simply a means to an end – but an essential one in giving access to 21st Century learning”. Regina Ryan explained that, " WCE expects that this planned shared shipment will be WCE's 8th shipment to Bolivia and it is likely to be shipped by the volunteer team from WCE's Ottawa Chapter."
The average GDP per capita in Bolivia is $4,500 and about 10% use the Internet.
BY CHECK: If you wish to donate to help Sponsor this shipment via a check on a bank in the USA or Canada, please include the note "Bolivia" on your check and mail it to: WCE 936 Nantasket Ave. Hull, Mass. 02045 USA.
We will send you a tax deductible receipt if you are in the USA. Our affiliate WCE-Canada can send you ar receipt if you donate to them. We send a cc to David Lozano so that he will know who has donated to this project.
