Day 5_Evo receives honorary doctorate

Tuesday December 1st

As the sun rose over La Paz we wound our way up the city of El Alto in a small colectivo joined by Paceños (people from La Paz) starting their morning commute to work. El Alto is located on the Altiplano highlands at the top of a canyon. With a population of over 649,000 people its one of the fast growing city in La Paz and one of the highest cities in the world. The majority of those who live there are Aymara. Its very poor with many houses hanging off the sides of cliffs but at the same time its a picturesque city with its vibrant culture and sprawling development. The city is fiercely loyal to Evo and the MAS candidates as can be seen by all the graffiti on the walls.

It was no wonder that when we arrived at La Universidad Publica de el Alto (UPEA) in anticipation of President Evo Morales speech, you could see and feel the excitement of local residents and UPEA students. Fire works were exploting all round us and people were chanting, Evo no se cansa, Bolivia advanca (Evo does not get tired while Bolivia advances). Needless to say when Evo arrived the whole place erupted into a mass furry as students and local residents tried to get a glimpse of their president.

Evo dressed in his non traditional business clothing spoke of the need for the University to develop expertise and experts in technology and sciences. Specifically, in the areas of Lithium and Iron, so that Bolivia does not rely on the expertise of foreigners. Furthermore, to develop local professionals with a local conscience so that they serve Bolivia and not just leave to work for multinationals.

The event closed with music and dancing as local community leaders lite fires and held local traditional ceremonies.

We then made our way to a small barrio in La Paz where we met with local youth who use Hip Hop beats and rap as a form of social expression. Israel Houtado, one of the rappers and obvious leaders explained to us they don't rap for fame or money but rather rap because it allows them to express what they see and feel. All of the rappers are from poor barrios in La Paz and are either Aymara or Quechua. Their experiences have been plagued by poverty and discrimination. They blame the system and past governments for this. They feel that with Evo Morales as President things are getting better for them and everyone around them.

As the sun started to set and the formalities long gone Israel said candidly, Socialism is the only form for us as Capitalism with be the death of us. As we walked down back the barrio lined with dilapidated houses, there were public expressions of drunkness by some men on the street. Despite this, it was obvious that these youth were proud of their roots and their culture.

Raul Burbano and Sara Korosi