The backstory
In today's rapidly changing world, it is clear that the key to progress lies in a combination of education and experience.
This era challenges us to rethink traditional models and embrace more integrated approaches to learning.
Fundación del Saber (FDS) derives its name from the Spanish word for "knowledge," symbolizing the belief that knowledge, gained through both education and experience, empowers individuals to achieve their goals and create lasting change.
For those with access to quality education, knowledge becomes a powerful tool for success.
Adapting to a changing landscape
Adapting to a changing landscape
In today's rapidly evolving world, the intersection of education and experience is essential for progress. This moment demands that we rethink our educational models to create more inclusive opportunities. Over the past two decades, technology has transformed lives, offering the potential to uplift under-resourced communities through distance learning. Our mission is to foster professionals with both practical and theoretical skills, while prioritizing gender equality and mental health support, empowering women, and creating opportunities that promote sustainable development in their regions.
Jorge López:
An entrepreneurial spirit
A determined young Bolivian software engineer, Jorge López left his home in Cochabamba not only to pursue an education in the United States but also to join the exciting tech ecosystem of the 1990s in Silicon Valley. As one of Adobe Systems' early employees and a founding member of NetIQ, Jorge gained valuable tech experience and achieved great success. By age 31, he was inspired to give back, founding Jalasoft-a multinational company now employing over 1,000 engineers across Latin America-proving that top talent knows no borders. His entrepreneurial spirit was the spark that ignited the creation of countless opportunities for others.
Fundación Jala
Fundación Jala
Jorge's passion for merging technology with education led to the creation of Fundación Jala, which focuses on school-level programs and bridging the gap between education and the workforce. Over the past 15 years, bootcamps, hackathons, and youth challenges have driven the growth of Cochabamba's software industry. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated Jorge's vision, shifting from a physical university to an online higher education institution. In 2021, Jala University was launched as a distance-learning university, offering a US software engineering degree to students in Bolivia, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico, with plans for further expansion.
The birth of FDS
In 2021, alongside Jala University, Fundación del Saber was established as a public charity incorporated in Delaware with the mission to expand the initiatives of Jala Foundation on a global scale. Our goal is to reach beyond Latin America, promoting education, inclusivity, and collective wisdom in an increasingly dynamic economic landscape.
Fundación del Saber seeks to reimagine learning, teaching, and working. We are committed to creating a world where everyone can contribute to collective knowledge, fostering progress and inclusion in our emerging economic model no matter how remote. Just like our name intends.
