KS3 Geography: Understanding Bolivia’s Development and Challenges

Introduction

Today, we will explore Bolivia, a country in South America, and learn about its development, challenges, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We will use different resources and maps to answer important questions about Bolivia and think critically about its future. Let’s dive in!

1. Understanding the 4Ws and 2Hs about Bolivia

4Ws

• Who: Who are the people living in Bolivia? Bolivia has a diverse population, including Indigenous groups and people of European descent.
• What: What is happening in Bolivia? Bolivia faces challenges like poverty, inequality, and access to education and healthcare.
• Where: Where is Bolivia located? Bolivia is situated in the heart of South America, surrounded by countries like Brazil, Peru, and Chile.
• When: When did these issues start? Many of these challenges have historical roots going back to colonial times.

2Hs

• How: How is Bolivia addressing its challenges? The country is working on implementing the SDGs to improve living conditions.
• Why: Why is it important to study Bolivia? Understanding Bolivia helps us learn about global issues like inequality and development.

2. Bolivia’s Level of Development

Using Maps

• To find Bolivia’s Human Development Index (HDI) and Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, look at the maps in Lessons 7.2 and 7.3.
• Bolivia is classified as a lower-middle-income country by the World Bank, meaning that many people live on less than $5.50 a day.

3. Challenges to Development in Bolivia

Causes of Inequality

• Bolivia faces several challenges, such as a lack of access to quality education, healthcare, and basic services.
• Discrimination against Indigenous people can also limit opportunities for many, causing a cycle of poverty.
• Environmental issues, like deforestation and climate change, further complicate development efforts.

4. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bolivia

Focus of SDGs

• a) The SDGs focus in certain areas of Bolivia, like education and clean water, to help improve the quality of life for everyone.
• b) Key SDG priorities for Bolivia include reducing poverty, improving health and education, and promoting gender equality.
• c) I believe these priorities are essential because they address basic needs and aim for a more equitable society.

5. Report on Future Development Priorities for Bolivia

Problems to Overcome

• Bolivia needs to address poverty, improve education access, and ensure healthcare for all its citizens.
• The government should also focus on reducing discrimination and promoting equal opportunities for Indigenous communities.

Aid from the UK Government and ActionAid

• The UK Government and ActionAid can provide financial aid, training, and resources to help improve education and healthcare in Bolivia.
• Partnerships with these organizations can help implement sustainable development projects.

Prioritising the SDGs

• Bolivia should prioritise SDGs related to poverty reduction, quality education, and gender equality to ensure a better future for its citizens.

6. Development Compass Rose Reflection

Questions to Consider

• Reflect on the questions you wrote in Lesson 7.1. Do you still think they are important?
• What new questions could you add based on what you have learned about Bolivia and development?
• Share your thoughts with the class!

Questions for Students

Easy Level Questions

1. What is the capital city of Bolivia?
2. What continent is Bolivia located on?
3. Name one challenge that Bolivia faces.
4. What does HDI stand for?
5. How many years of schooling do children typically receive in Bolivia?
6. Name a country that borders Bolivia.
7. What is the currency used in Bolivia?
8. Who are the Indigenous people of Bolivia?
9. What is one goal of the SDGs?
10. How much money does the Kjapa family earn per month?

Medium Level Questions

11. Why is access to education important for development?
12. How does Bolivia’s population diversity affect its culture?
13. What is the significance of the GNI per capita?
14. Describe one way the SDGs could improve life in Bolivia.
15. How can discrimination impact economic development?
16. What role does healthcare play in a country’s development?
17. How is climate change a challenge for Bolivia?
18. Explain what lower-middle-income means.
19. How can international aid help Bolivia?
20. Why should Bolivia focus on gender equality?

Hard Level Questions

21. What specific SDGs are most relevant for Bolivia?
22. How has Bolivia’s colonial history affected its current development?
23. Discuss the impact of deforestation in Bolivia.
24. What strategies can Bolivia use to reduce poverty?
25. How do Indigenous rights relate to sustainable development?
26. Compare Bolivia’s development challenges with another country.
27. In what ways can community involvement enhance development projects?
28. How can education reduce inequality in Bolivia?
29. What are the long-term benefits of achieving the SDGs for Bolivia?
30. How can technology improve access to education in Bolivia?

Answers to the Questions

Easy Level Answers

1. Sucre (or La Paz).
2. South America.
3. Poverty.
4. Human Development Index.
5. About 8 years.
6. Brazil.
7. Bolivian boliviano.
8. Aymara and Quechua.
9. To improve living conditions.
10. $25.

Medium Level Answers

11. Education helps people get better jobs and improve their lives.
12. It makes Bolivia’s culture rich and diverse.
13. It shows the average income of people in a country.
14. It could provide better schools and health services.
15. Discrimination can limit job opportunities for some people.
16. Good healthcare keeps people healthy and able to work.
17. It can lead to loss of land and resources.
18. It means the country has a lower standard of living.
19. It can provide funds and expertise for development projects.
20. Gender equality ensures everyone has the same opportunities.

Hard Level Answers

21. SDGs related to poverty, health, and education.
22. Colonialism created inequalities that still exist today.
23. Deforestation harms the environment and biodiversity.
24. By creating jobs and providing education.
25. Indigenous rights ensure fair treatment and resource access.
26. Compare with Haiti or another developing nation.
27. Community input can make projects more relevant and successful.
28. Education helps people escape poverty and improve society.
29. Achieving SDGs can lead to economic growth and stability.
30. Technology can provide online learning and resources.

Feel free to discuss these questions and answers in class, and remember, understanding development helps us think about how we can make a difference in the world!