Berkley Center

In summer 2012 undergraduate student Lisa Frank spent three weeks conducting interviews in Bolivia as part of an ongoing initiative of the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs and the Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching and Service at Georgetown University. Her work focused on the educational programs of Fe y Alegría in the service of social justice. Fe y Alegría is an international organization, overseen by the Society of Jesus, whose mission is to provide high-quality education to poor and marginalized communities. Lisa investigated their technical training programs within traditional schools, education and vocational training for people with disabilities, and a boarding program for students in rural parts of the country. Within each of these areas, she looked at the role of Jesuit, Christian, and human values, involvement by parents and community members, and interplay with the new "Ley de la Educación Avelino Siñani-Elizardo Perez" [Avelino Siñani-Elizardo Perez Education Law], enacted by President Evo Morales.