learning by doing

I spent the past three days interviewing students and faculty in the UAC-CP's veterinary program. I found it interesting that every single person talked about the importance of having hands-on opportunities for learning. Of course, they explained, it's necessary to study theories and concepts in the classroom, but to truly understand what they are learning, they must put it into practice.

There are a variety of ways for students to gain practical experience at the College. All students in the vet program must take turns caring for the animals, mixing and preparing animal feed, slaughtering hogs and chickens, working in the meat factory, managing the marketing and sale of meat products, etc.

Dr. Martin Morales, director of the veterinary science program, pointed out that the modulos (learning labs) allow upperclass students to cultivate leadership skills as they coordinate learning projects for younger classmates. He also noted that several students have started research projects based on their module experiences. "There is no better way to learn than by doing," said Dr. Martin.

A vet student slices ham in the College's meat factory. The UAC-CP packages and sells pork and chicken products under their own brand: SUMA.

Anatomy students watch closely as their professor, Dr. Fernandez, demonstrates how to dissect a dog.

Thesis student Dany Chambi manages the laboratories on Campus Manning. She explained that while the College doesn't have lots of equipment, the items they do have help students perform on-site research projects. Without labs, UAC-CP students would have to travel to La Paz and pay for the use of laboratory equipment.

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Eighth semester vet students, Walter and Sydney, humored me by taking a break from cleaning the hog farm to pose for a Bolivian version of American Gothic

FUNDACOM: it's all the buzz

Yesterday Bill and I went to Coroico, the nearby pueblo, to learn more about FUNDACOM—a local NGO founded by a group of UAC-CP graduates with help from the Horning Family and the Carmen Pampa Fund.

FUNDACOM’s main objective is to create a sustainable and socially conscious industry for the people of the Yungas region. Currently, FUNDACOM manages a beekeeping project. As part of their work, FUNDACOM trains local farmers in beehive management and provides them with access to a market to sell their products.

Pastor smokes bees out from the bee colony.

FUNDACOM director and UAC-CP agronomy graduate Rene Villca explained that their work is rooted in the mission of the College. “We are committed to helping the people of the countryside live better lives.” Rene told us that, for example, FUNDACOM pays fair and just prices to the farmers. “Of course, as a business, we need to make money,” Rene admitted. “But we also need to make sure that we treat our honey producers fairly. We have helped increase wages for all local beekepers.”

FUNDACOM also works closely with the College by providing internship opportunities for UAC-CP students. Like the College, FUNDACOM works to empower farmers through education.

The goal, Rene said, is for FUNDACOM to be entirely self-sufficient in two more years. And it seems the organization is well on its way. Mostly because of a contract secured through the federal government, FUNDACOM is working to produce more honey to meet the increasing demand.

Freddy demonstrates the difficulty of harvesting honey the "old fashioned" way

UAC-CP vete graduate Pastor Acho took us to FUNDACOM’s honey processing plant in nearby San Jancinto where he explained the relatively simple process of preparing honey for sale. From there, Bill and I accompanied Pastor and another UAC-CP graduate, Freddy Quispe, to a beekeeping site. As thousands of bees buzzed around, Freddy and Pastor installed new, custom made panels to replace the older ones made of sticks. Pastor explained that the new panels will not only make it easier for farmers to harvest the honey, but it will increase the overall yield.

Pastor holds one of the panels that FUNDACOM is helping to install

“So, this is my job, Sarita,” Pastor told me as we followed Bill, Freddy, and our canine companion back to the honey processing plant. “This is what I do every day—I go out into the countryside and do this same type of work with the campesinos.” When I asked him if he likes his work, Pastor turned to me and smiled broadly. “I love my job!”

During the 20 minute ride back to Coroico, I listened as Pastor fielded questions about bee management from our taxi driver--a man who has recently started dabbling in apiculture. At this moment, I realized I didn’t have to ask; it’s pretty obvious that Pastor loves his work.

la despedida

Yesterday I spent the afternoon in La Paz with UAC-CP students Alejandro Yujra and Gonzalo Silili. They were chosen to participate in a cultural exchange program with Adams School in St. Paul, Minnesota. Adams is a bilingual grade school that invites young people from Spanish speaking countries to work as teaching assistants in the classroom. The students gain practical teaching experience and Adams students are able to learn, first-hand, about the cultures and customs of people from other countries. Based on their grades and an interview, Alex and Gonzalo were chosen to participate in this program for the '08-09 academic year.

Family & friends gathered at Alex's brother's house in El Alto

It was exciting to be with them in their final moments of preparation before their trip to the U.S. As they packed their few belongings and family members stopped by to bid them farewell, Gonzalo and Alex asked me questions about U.S. currency, politics, and the weather. While I gave them a few last minute pointers about life in los Estados (and probably scared them with tales of frigid Minnesota winters!), they will soon be able to experience for themselves both the fun and frustration of living in another country.

Alex & Gonzalo prepare to check in at Aerosur

It is a great priviledge to be able to travel and visit other countries--a priviledge that many North Americans take for granted. Gonzalo and Alex both realize that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and, despite a bit of nervousness, are excited to begin their adventure. Judging by Juan Carlos Quispe's experience, Gonzalo and Alex will thrive in their new environment!

Special thanks to the folks at Adams and Amity and to UAC Education Dept. Director Andres Pardo for making all this possible.