Turning Pages, Changing Lives

The Inspiring Story of the “Improvement of Educational Quality” Project

In the heart of Tarija, Bolivia, a quiet revolution is taking place—one that promises to transform the lives of thousands of children. This revolution is happening not in the streets, but in the humble classrooms of three schools. This is the story of the “Improvement of Educational Quality” project, a beacon of hope and knowledge, Brought to life through the efforts of Organizacion Esperanza Bolivia and their partners

For years, teachers in Tarija have faced the challenge of providing quality education with limited resources. While the Mayor’s Office has been diligent in constructing school buildings, the provision of educational materials, such as books, has remained a significant gap. Recognizing this pressing need, Advance Community teamed up with Organización Esperanza Bolivia to establish libraries in schools filled with books that would inspire and educate.

Three schools were chosen to be the first recipients of this initiative:

1. Educational Unit Cnel. Mariano Lino Morales de Los Reyes: Nestled in the rural municipality of San Lorenzo, this school often struggled with resource scarcity.

2. Lourdes Educational Unit: Located in the peri-urban area of Cercado Tarija, it serves a diverse student population.

3. John Paul II Educational Unit: Situated in urban Cercado Tarija, it caters to many children from low-income families.

The project went beyond merely donating books. Each school received new furniture—chairs, tables, and shelves—turning ordinary classrooms into inviting sanctuaries of learning. The selection of books was meticulous. Every book was chosen to align with the curriculum, recommended by the National Educational Congress 2022, and contextualized to be relevant and engaging for the students. The emphasis was also placed on texts by Bolivian authors, fostering a connection to local culture and stories.

The day the libraries were unveiled was nothing short of magical. Students’ faces lit up as they walked into rooms transformed by rows of colorful books. Among them was Estefany, an 11-year-old with a passion for reading. Her eyes sparkled as she enthusiastically shared:

“I am beyond excited to have a new library at the school! As soon as I heard the news, I couldn’t contain my excitement. It’s like a dream come true for me. Now I have an exclusive place to spend my free time, surrounded by endless shelves of books waiting to be explored. I can’t wait to dive into all the amazing stories and insights that await me. Thanks to whoever made this possible; you have truly made this bookworm the happiest little girl in the world.”

Teachers, too, found new tools at their disposal. One hundred teachers were trained online, receiving manuals on how to use the new libraries effectively. This training empowered them to integrate library resources into their teaching, creating a more dynamic and engaging learning environment.

The impact of the “Improvement of Educational Quality” project goes beyond the individual. It is about fostering a community of learners. Over 2,000 children and adolescents now have access to these libraries, each book a gateway to new worlds and ideas. The quiet corners of these libraries are now abuzz with the turning of pages, the hushed excitement of discovery, and the shared joy of learning.

The success of this project is just the beginning. It serves as a model for what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision. As we look to the future, there are many more schools in need, many more libraries to build, and countless more children to inspire.

Join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement. Together, we can continue to make dreams come true, one book, one child, and one library at a time.

Stay tuned for more stories of hope and transformation and find out how you can be a part of this journey. Together, we are building a brighter future for the children of Tarija!