Vocational training

Strengthening the vocational baccalaureate at secondary schools in Bolivia

Brief description of the project

In the Chiquitanía in eastern Bolivia, the population and local economy are growing, but many young people – particularly those from indigenous and farming families – have little access to practical training relevant to the labor market. Despite great expectations, technical education at secondary level is often inadequately equipped and poorly linked to the local economy.

This project strengthens the Bachillerato Técnico Humanístico (BTH) in five secondary schools in the region. It improves the quality of technical education through modern equipment in workshops, further training for teachers and the introduction of a practical and labor market-oriented approach with a focus on the circular economy.

Young people acquire sought-after technical, entrepreneurial and ecological skills that make it easier for them to enter employment or self-employment. At the same time, the schools are strengthened organizationally and administratively and networked more closely with communities, authorities and local businesses. In this way, the project contributes to the employability of young people, to sustainable local economic development and to strengthening the public education system in the Chiquitanía.

Project goals

The project strengthens technical secondary education in the Chiquitanía and thus creates better opportunities for young people to gain employment and independence:

• Practical technical training: young people acquire sought-after professional skills
• Strengthening teachers and infrastructure: Modernized workshops, classrooms and practice-oriented teaching methods.
• Links with business and the community: cooperation with local businesses, authorities and communities for internships, markets and sustainable impact.