The first step to support children’s learning

Most of the public-school buildings in Bolivia are inadequate since they are old. Although the government is advancing with remodeling, the progress has been very slow since there are so many schools

Colegio Juan Laborde Morel in the northern part of Santa Cruz City is a public school that has about 1,000 students ranging from 12 grades in primary and secondary school. Since they are located in a densely populated residential area, they have a large number of students. However, they have only twelve classrooms, so the classes are divided into one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Moreover, students who come late have to remain standing during the class due to the lack of chairs and desks, and the students who are seated are also inconvenienced since the desks and chairs are broken.

Despite the situation, it is impossible to consider replacing the desks and chairs since the price is so high. As the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation came to know this situation, they visited the school on December 27, 2018, and after discussing a detailed plan with the principal, made a decision to donate desks and chairs.

On February 28, 2019, the donation ceremony for 120 desks and chairs provided by the WeLoveU was held at Colegio Juan Laborde Morel. Thirty WeLoveU members, all the students, faculty, parents, and officials from the Education Department participated in the event.

Both the parents who were concerned about the children that may hurt themselves due to the broken chairs, and faculty who had to just watch students standing during the class, were so delighted. The students performed traditional and K-pop dances which they prepared with a heart full of gratitude. The school delivered a letter of appreciation to the WeLoveU Foundation.

Senator Luis Alberto Vaca Bejarano said, “Thank you for inviting me to this miraculous event. I’m truly thankful to the WeLoveU Foundation for sending love, care, and comfort to the children in Bolivia who are in need. I will be happy to join you in the future.”

This donation was the first educational support done in Bolivia by the WeLoveU. A member from the Santa Cruz chapter expressed with pride, “The WeLoveU Foundation is actively carrying out volunteer services across the world, but this is the beginning stage for Bolivia. I’m happy that the desk and chair donation went well. Through this volunteer service, our hearts are filled with warmth.”