The Alternative Technical Education Center, San Ignacio de Loyola, located in San Ignacio de Moxos, Beni, opens the first course of Production and Transformation of cocoa in Bolivia. The promotion of Ayuda en Acción has been decisive for the configuration of this degree. The course, which begins in August, already has 30 pre-registered participants.
The initiative seeks to train students on aspects related to the management of the Amazon ecosystem, control of diseases and pests, business strategies and transformation processes.
The Bolivian Amazon represents 43% of the country and is key to its biodiversity. Therefore, wild cocoa is a sustainable option for indigenous and peasant families, who use it sustainably to improve their economy.
“We have a large cocoa production in Bolivia, but we don’t know what kind of transformation we can give it. I hope that the race teaches me to transform what will produce, and not just sell the raw material”. Mabel, student enrolled in the race.
Quality education program for cocoa in Bolivia
Despite having approximately 2,500 families that are dedicated to the collection and production of the grain (ABP 2020), there are still not enough trained personnel for the production, transformation and commercialization of cocoa, which due to its characteristics of color, flavor and aroma It has recognition and demand from the local and international market.
“Ayuda en Acción has coordinated with the educational community, carrying out awareness actions on the importance of technical education and its link with the productive sphere. In addition to managing with municipal authorities to guarantee the infrastructure and furniture conditions, we have managed to influence at the departmental and national level with a curricular mesh according to the demand of producers, of the market and that provides an alternative access to sources of decent jobs and enterprises. for youth, women and men in their communities”. Isabel Cajías, director of Ayuda en Acción, Bolivia.
Ayuda en Acción and its education programs
Until now, Ayuda en Acción has contributed to the implementation and updating of three productive careers at the national level: Beekeeping in the Chaco, Fruit Growing in the Inter-Andean Valleys, and Cacao in the Amazon. In addition, work is being done on the curricular adaptation of other careers such as Food Transformation, Gastronomy, Agroecology and Agriculture, focused on the vocations and productive potential of each territory.
Thanks to the commitment of the educational authorities and the municipal government, it is expected that the Cocoa Production and Transformation Career will contribute to improving the living conditions of young people, their families and communities, promoting sustainable development that is respectful of the environment.
If you want to know more about Ayuda en Acción and its initiatives visit: ayudaenaccion.org
