From time to time we like to shine the spotlight on swapping stories that really reach our hearts, and today is no exception. Since the launch of our Swap4Schools program we’ve been keeping an eye out for stories that revolve around the swap movement and our own school system. However we recently read about the efforts of UNICEF working towards providing schools for Bolivian children, swapping the back-breaking work of harvesting sugar cane for studying in school and just knew had to share with you all.
Many children in rural Bolivia are unable to attend school because of the long and costly transportation to the nearest schools. Instead they spend their days working in the sugar cane fields with their families. UNICEF and other groups have helped provided the funding and support to build schools and a permanent teaching staff in many new locations. These efforts provide the children of Bolivia the chance to be children again, focusing on school and friends instead of laboring in the fields under the hot sun.
As a result of these efforts the number of children in Bolivia working in the sugar cane industry has shrunk from 8,000 to less than 1,000 over the past decade. Hopefully that number will continue to shrink thanks to the continued support of UNICEF and other groups. If you’d like to help more children trade the fields for the school yard and a chance at education, please consider making a donation to UNICEF today.
(Photo by Neils Photography)
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