Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
La Paz (Agenzia Fides) - To examine the present situation of education in Bolivia and draft a new education proposal the Bishops’ Commission for Education and the Bolivian Forum for Education are in La Paz taking part in a national meeting 21-24 June called “Full participation in definition of national education policy” to formulate an education proposal; which considers the changes in education in the framework of the new social and political context in Bolivia.
Also present at the meeting about 100 department delegates of local Church education commissions and local Education Forums and specialists who will provide expert input .
Items for discussion include: new education law proposed by national commission; present situation of education in Bolivia; Ministry of Education and Culture policies; social participation in education; Constituent Assemblies and Education. Prior to the event meetings were held in various regions to foster changes in keeping with the reality in the country.
Bolivia, as other Latin American countries, has undertaken a reform in education. The draft education law says at paragraph 10, it intends to develop "secular education which respects the beliefs and spirituality of the indigenous and native peoples of Bolivia as the basis for individual and community right". The Bolivian education ministry declared “education will be secular, religion will be optional rather than compulsory and the history of religions will be taught". This means changes in the education of young Bolivians and also in Church/State agreements. The draft education law will be discussed by parliament between 10 and 15 July. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 21/6/2006, righe 27, parole 335)
