Cochuna Project

In the heart of the Bolivian Yungas, the Cochuna Project hosts 120 teenagers from remote rural communities, helping them continue their schooling. Boarding, training, sustainable agriculture and access to healthcare come together here to transform young lives and strengthen the link between education and local development. Led by the Patiño Foundation, the project is a concrete, inclusive and sustainable initiative serving the most isolated populations.

A concrete response to educational inequality

In the mountainous Yungas region, near Coroico, access to education remains a daily challenge for many rural families. Distance, lack of infrastructure and economic hardship hinder the schooling of teenagers. In response to this reality, the Simón I. Patiño Foundation launched the Cochuna Project in 2023 — a boarding school for 120 youth aged 12 to 17. These adolescents, whose families live several hours from the nearest school, reside on-site Monday to Friday to continue their education in a supportive and structured environment.

A place to grow and learn

The Cochuna Project offers more than just temporary accommodation. It creates the conditions for long-term learning by progressively renovating all facilities: dormitories, kitchens, bathrooms, classrooms and sports areas. The goal is clear: to provide a safe, healthy and stimulating environment that supports academic and personal development. In parallel, students benefit from additional training in reading, science, STEM and nutrition. These pedagogical elements strengthen their academic path while fostering autonomy, practical skills and the ability to plan for their future.

An agricultural component integrated into the project

One of the project’s strengths lies in its integrated sustainable agriculture component. On-site, the Foundation’s teams have revived vegetable farming to supply the school’s kitchen with fresh produce. This approach not only improves the students’ nutrition but also passes on agricultural know-how tailored to the local context. Coffee cultivation is also promoted as an alternative to coca farming. This choice, both economic and ecological, contributes to reshaping the region’s agricultural dynamic, offering sustainable production and new opportunities for families.

Health, wellbeing and community inclusion

The physical and mental health of the students is a core priority of the project. For many, the medical check-ups carried out on-site are their first experience with structured healthcare. Regular consultations are conducted in collaboration with local health authorities to ensure long-term care. But the impact of the Cochuna Project goes beyond the boarding school’s walls. Families are actively involved in educational and agricultural activities, strengthening the bond between school, land and community. Partnerships with schools, universities and local organisations help foster a co-development dynamic centred on sustainable progress.

Concrete progress, ongoing challenges

In just a few months, the project has led to major achievements: better nutrition through market gardening, access to educational technology via computer equipment, renovation of the library, staff training, and medical check-ups for every student. Despite this progress, several challenges remain. Full renovation of the facilities is ongoing and still requires significant financial support. The need for school supplies and tech equipment remains high. Continued teacher training and the development of a stable, profitable coffee sector are also key areas for future investment.

A replicable model rooted in its territory

The Cochuna Project reflects the founding values of the Simón I. Patiño Foundation: equal opportunity, educational innovation, territorial respect and sustainable development. It proves that a boarding school can be more than a place to sleep — it can be a living learning centre, a driver for local farming, a healthcare hub and a social transformation tool. By enabling these 120 youth to continue their education, the Foundation is taking concrete action to break the cycle of exclusion. Through this project, an entire community is mobilised to build a fairer, more autonomous and deeply rooted future.