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.
Dear Friends,
The greatest challenge in Latin America is not a lack of talent—it is the lack of investment in education. For decades, inadequate leadership and misguided priorities have limited opportunities, forcing countless individuals to leave their countries and communities in search of better prospects in larger cities or even other continents. This exodus has left entire regions economically stagnant and stripped of hope for progress.
I firmly believe that education is the key to empowerment. By leveraging remote learning and technological development, we can retain and nurture local talent, transforming these regions into thriving innovation hubs that contribute world-class technological solutions to the global stage.
Our mission goes beyond simply teaching. It is about unlocking the immense potential of the most overlooked regions and connecting them with the global technological landscape. Guided by core values such as equity, reciprocity, and cooperation, we are committed to fostering opportunities that promote collaboration and inclusivity. Additionally, we hold ourselves to a standard of responsibility and engagement, ensuring that our efforts are anchored in unwavering dedication and accountability.
Every line of code developed in Latin America tells a story—one of resilience, ingenuity, and opportunity for those who need it most. Together, we have the power to build a future where no community is left behind, and education becomes the foundation for a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Jorge
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.
