Update

The reinitiated Bolivia 4WARD program has been going strong for the past week. Some five students have been studying, on and off, during our open hours and are becoming familiar with their learning environment. Yesterday, the first student to study english arrived. The student, named Ignacio, used the program Duolingo, an ambitious online project to teach languages for free while translating the entire Web (links below). Ignacio got very excited about his success in the program, and made sure that he knew how to log in on his account so that he could keep his learning streak before the next class. It is good to see that the English program is as engaging as the Khan Academy math site.

Much of this past week has also been spent gearing up the program for more students, and we're happy to say that they begin in earnest next week. The orphanage Niños con Valor is participating again, as well as kids from the social wellness project Manos de Libertad. The program is looking for volunteers to assist with all the new students. The program is growing fast, the classes are going well, and Bolivia 4WARD is set to take the next steps to become an even bigger part of the Cochabamba educational landscape.



Duolingo Links

Site: https://www.duolingo.com/
TED Talk: http://www.ted.com/talks/luis_von_ahn_massive_scale_online_collaboration

Taking Off

Great news! Yesterday the first students of the new program arrived. Four kids between the ages of 8 and 16 came to study math. It was somewhat hectic, as always on the first day, but once the students settled in, they really enjoyed the site. The kids came to the program in response to the article published about us by Los Tiempos (link below). While we are still committed to teaching the children of AHA Bolivia artisans, it is exciting to see that the program is growing and interests different people. Official classes have not been finalized, but we have begun offering "open hours" three days a week, where students can drop in as they are available. During the school year, this seems to be the most helpful to students, as their schedule is not overburdened with regular classes, but they can reinforce and receive help for the material they are learning in school. It is great to have started with the program again and we are busy getting ready to have even more students!


Los Tiempos Article (in Spanish)

http://www.lostiempos.com/oh/actualidad/actualidad/20140830/%E2%80%9Cbolivia-4ward%E2%80%9D-un-programa-tutorial-de-matematicas-para-ninos_272062_597359.html

Thanks to our Donors!

Bolivia 4WARD is moving forward! After our Indiegogo campaign raised nearly $6,500 (net return), the program is ready to develop a more sustainable and efficient learning environment, establish a regular class schedule, and expand online learning, both within the classroom and around Bolivia. All of this is made possible by the generous sponsors of our cause, and we would like to thank some of them here:

Daniel Goldstein, an anthropology professor at Rutgers University who has extensively studied Bolivia and given voice to the marginalized members of its society. Moreover, he is a good friend to AHA Bolivia.

Terry Beltran, CEO of Vista Latinos and Beltran Media who is involved in the Latino community in the United States and around the world.

Cecilia Foxworthy, founder of Revision Ventures, an organization that educates and employs youth doing SEO for local businesses. She is also a longtime friend and supporter of AHA Bolivia.

Marshal Hammons, a Santa Clara University student and friend to Elahdio Aliaga.

Artisan Connect, an associate of AHA Bolivia that connects local artisans from around the world to customers online, empowering communities while sharing art.

and the many other contributors to our cause. Thank you all for investing in the kids of Bolivia!


Finally, I would like to quickly introduce myself, Ian Petty. I am currently in Cochabamba coordinating the new development of Bolivia 4WARD. I will be updating the blog with the program's progress, but I also encourage any of you readers to contact me at bolivia4ward@gmail.com with your questions, comments, and ideas. Best, Ian