U.S. Government Delivers Computers and Equipment to Indigenous University Students and Micro Entrepreneurs in Oruro

Oruro, August 2007 - As a contribution to the development of opportunities for indigenous micro entrepreneurs and university students in the department of Oruro, U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia Philip Goldberg delivered computers and other technical equipment. This donation was delivered to the new School of Sustainable Ecologic Production of the Kawsay National Indigenous University and to five centers recently created by the Prefect’s office. The centers offer services on information, promotion, and community economic development in Oruro, Huanuni, Challapata, Chipaya, and Corque.

In addition to supporting opportunity development, the donations aim to foster social inclusion policies and to implement training strategies on behalf of the indigenous entrepreneurs in each community. The Prefect (Governor) of Oruro Alberto Luis Aguilar attended the dedication ceremony as did other municipal and local authorities.

During the dedication ceremony, Ambassador Goldberg said that the U.S. government is a strong supporter of this kind of initiatives. “Every time there is an opportunity, there is a chance for development. We have already worked on 10 projects with the Prefect of Oruro to generate options and a future for Bolivians,” remarked the Ambassador. He added, “This is a sample of our commitment to Bolivia. We have been working together with Bolivians to carry out projects such as this for over 60 years.”

The Departmental Government of Oruro has received over $360,000 from the U.S. Government to improve its ability to serve the public and to promote economic development.