The U.S. Embassy in Bolivia has expanded its Inglés Yes! program to Oruro, following successful implementations in El Alto and Santa Cruz. This initiative offers a free, two-year English learning opportunity for 40 scholarship recipients, aiming to enhance their academic and personal skills.
Rebecca Webb, Counsellor for Press, Culture, and Education at the U.S. Embassy, remarked on the significance of this expansion during Oruro's anniversary month: “As we celebrate Oruro’s anniversary month, we are proud to support a completely free-of-charge program that transforms lives—not only by teaching a language but also by inspiring a new generation of young Bolivians to pursue their dreams.”
In partnership with the Ciudad Mundo Foundation and the Smart Step Language Center, the program seeks to improve participants' economic and professional prospects by equipping them for the global economy. Since its inception in 2015, Inglés Yes! has reached over 600 students across Bolivia.
This year marks 175 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Bolivia. The embassy is celebrating with a campaign titled “175 Years Together: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” highlighting ongoing collaboration between both nations.
Gonzalo Fortún from the U.S. Embassy Office of English Language Programs explained that Inglés Yes! was initially launched as a pilot project in El Alto with 20 students. It provides intensive English courses alongside leadership workshops specifically designed for Bolivian learners.
Rubén Díaz, a current participant, described the program as life-changing. Daniela Flores Cervantes, an instructor within the program, emphasized its broader impact: “It’s not just about learning a language—it’s about opening up a world of possibilities,” she said. "Our students are discovering their potential and preparing to become future leaders."