Bolivia's "Second Lady" is hoping the Beehive State can play a role in improving the education of her country's children.
Lidia Katari Cardenas, wife of Bolivian Vice-President Victor Hugo Cardenas, arrived in Salt Lake City Thursday to tour several Wasatch Front schools and colleges and meet with local educators.In an interview Thursday with the Deseret News, Cardenas said Utah has much to offer her South American home.
"Since my husband's election last year, I've focused my energy on improving the education of the children. (Utah's) schools provide a good environment for kids to learn. Bolivian children need to attend classes in that same type of environment," she said.
A first step in improving her country's educational system, said Cardenas, is ensuring that all Bolivian students are bilingual. While Spanish is taught in much of the country, indigenous dialects are still spoken in many areas.
"An inclusive primary education for all Bolivians is needed to implement the government's health and social programs. Important changes have already taken place - my husband was the first person elected to high office in my country who is not of Spanish descent," said Cardenas, an Aymara Indian.
A strong relationship between Bolivian educators and their American counterparts is also vital, she added.
"Besides basic educational materials like pencils and textbooks, Bolivian schools need new technology in their classrooms," said Cardenas. "American teachers can do my country a great service by coming to Bolivia and teaching our people about technology, so we can teach it to others."
She also hopes to modify curriculum in public schools so all Bolivian students graduate with a vocational skill.
Cardenas was expected to spend Friday visiting with students and teachers at Boulton Elementary in Bountiful and later at Brigham Young University.
She is also scheduled to meet with Catholic and LDS church leaders, attend a reception hosted by the Utah-Bolivia Partners/Bolivian Association and attend a Sunday performance of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.