News

“The Dream In Action”
In collaboration with the Center for Global Education at Augsburg College

In an emotional celebration of the past and the future, nearly 150 people came together to pay tribute to the founder and former director of the UAC-CP, Sister Damon Nolan. Titled “The Dream In Action”, the event featured Sister Damon’s reflections on the origins of the Bolivian college she started in the Yungas, a cloud forest on the eastern slopes of the Andes mountains. She spoke not only about how she built the college, but most compellingly, why. Surrounded by her closest friends and strongest supporters, it was a very moving and powerful recollection of a journey which has led to so many miracles for so many people.

Watch the indroductory video (Windows WMV format, 18 Mb)

Preceding Sister Damon, a student of the college, Juan Carlos Quispe, shared with the audience his feelings on what it means to be given the gift of education made possible by Carmen Pampa Fund donations. As he explained that his family is very humble, there was a long pause, a moment for both he and the audience to gather emotions. It was one of many moments in the evening that authenticated the UAC-CP as a living miracle.

Sister Damon, deeply moved by her love for the students, introduced those who work for Carmen Pampa Fund on behalf of the UAC-CP. The last to be introduced was Father Freddy Villar, the new Director General of the UAC-CP. Incredibly gracious, he shared how honored he was to be entrusted with the vision that Sister Damon created, and to take the UAC-CP from the founder to the future, to serve more students in deeper ways.

Thank you to Augsburg College, co-sponsor Center for Global Education at Augsburg College, and to all those donors who make miracles come true.

CPF Inaugurates Partnership Tour Program
In collaboration with the Center for Global Education at Augsburg College

“Working for the Common Good: Education and Development in Bolivia”
November 8-19, 2008

The mission of the UAC-CP is grounded in the Aymaran concept of “Ayni,” based on the idea of mutual responsibility, sharing and protecting resources, and working for the common good. This exciting trip will explore ayni as it is expressed not only in the work of the College but also in the larger context of education and development in Bolivia.

As a special bonus, the tour will conclude with a visit to Cusco, Peru and the ancient Inca historical site of Machu Picchu.

The all-inclusive tour price for 12 days from Minneapolis is $3100 per person. Contact us for a tour brochure or for pricing from other cities. Please consider joining us this fall on our exciting inaugural trip!

Student Successes
The new Thesis Boot Camp at the UAC-CP Produces Many New Graduates

Borrowing an idea from Dr. Diane Rickerl of South Dakota State University, the UAC-CP established a Thesis Boot Camp (Cuartel de Tesis), which helps students write their thesis. One part of the Cuartel captures the students who are now living in and around La Paz. The UAC-CP’s Instituto de Investigación arranged for students to meet at an Internet café in the city every weekend which provides a place for students to come and consult with their research advisors and staff from the Instituto about the writing and organization of their theses. The second part is a space in the Instituto's offices at the UAC-CP with computers, printers and access to Instituto staff to help finish their research projects in a timely manner.
 
Indeed, great progress has been made. Since starting the Boot Camp, six months ago, the UAC-CP has graduated 22 students in the Agronomy, Veterinary Science and Nursing programs, with about thirty more scheduled to graduate this year. Excellent results, considering that until then, the UAC-CP had only 50 students finish their theses and graduate in the College’s history.

However, with the additional eighty students who are still working to graduate and about another fifty every year who will need support to finish their projects, the work of the Cuartel is just beginning.

Due to a recent interest in the lives of our humble volunteers and their activities, the Carmen Pampa Volunteer Blog is up and running again. Please give us a click to find out about:

• Student successes
• Volunteer experiences
• UAC events

Hope that you enjoy it!

Hugh Smeltekop
Blog editor