Page 35 - CoeurMining

“If Manquiri had not built
the new Chalviri school, I
would not have graduated
from high school and would
not be studying at the
university.” Santa Cristina López university student
Santa Cristina attended the Chalviri Central School through eighth grade, but, because there was no secondary school in her community at the time, she could not continue her education. Her desire to continue studying was so strong that, after completing the eighth grade, she enrolled in basic radio broadcasting courses, which helped her improve her reading and writing skills until another opportunity became available.
In 2008, as part of the Indigenous Development Plan, Coeur’s Bolivian operation, Manquiri, joined with local community residents to build the Chalviri Coed National School. With a secondary school in Chalviri, Santa Cristina was able to continue her studies. In 2011, she was one of the rst 10 students to graduate, earning a baccalaureate degree in humanities. Santa
~ rst graduating class and sta at Chalviri Secondary School.
Cristina has since continued her education and is currently studying agro-industrial engineering at Universidad Autónoma Tomas Frias in Potosi.
Santa Cristina is quite con dent that her community and the Ayllu members will be able to work toward a more sustainable future, thanks to improved educational opportunities provided by Coeur. “If Manquiri had not built the new Chalviri school, I would not have graduated from high school and would not be studying at the university,” she said. “I am very happy that this company is so close to my community and is not only helping us in the area of education, but also providing health care and implementing other projects such as tourism and sh-breeding activities. Manquiri is helping us a lot and we should take full advantage of this opportunity.”
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| Santa Cristina López