Refugio
Rafael

In Bolivia, public education for the Quechua people was not provided until 1952. Therefore, many adults do not have a strong formal education and cannot help the children with homework or provide advanced learning. 

Due to a lack of teachers and a large population of children (50% of the population is under the age of 18), there are two sessions of school daily, morning and afternoon. With parents working, children spend a large portion of their day unattended by adults.

Refugio Rafael offers a safe environment that enhances the children’s academic and social skills, while providing encouragement and mentoring through positive interaction with adults.

Approximately 100 neighborhood children attend the afterschool program. Former school principal Ernesto Inochea and social worker Claribel Rivero provide homework assistance, tutoring, and special educational programs. 

The school building and playground are complete. Plans are underway to create a soccer field and expand the library. We are currently fundraising to support over 300 students educations this academic year. 

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