Inclusivity

At iGEM Bolivia, we believe science should be accessible to everyone, regardless of the language they speak or the challenges they face. Our Inclusivity Project was born from the conviction that scientific knowledge must reach traditionally excluded communities, bringing biotechnology and synthetic biology to those who need it most. Through educational videos on synthetic biology and biotechnology in Quechua and Aymara, awareness videos on mercury contamination in these indigenous languages, and visits to the Guido Villagómez Special Education Center, we aim not only to teach but to inspire and empower. These initiatives form the foundation of a collective effort to break down barriers, promote inclusion, and prove that science is a universal right.

Science Without Borders: Synthetic Biology, Biotechnology, and Mercury Awareness in Indigenous Languages

In the valleys and mountains of Bolivia, where Quechua and Aymara are spoken, science has often seemed distant and inaccessible. At iGEM Bolivia, we’re committed to changing that because we believe scientific knowledge should be within everyone’s reach, no matter their language or geography. That's why we bring synthetic biology, biotechnology, and information about the dangers of mercury contamination to remote communities, using indigenous languages as a bridge to a safer and healthier future.

Imagine a child in a rural community who has never heard of synthetic biology or biotechnology. When they watch one of our videos in their native language, something shifts inside them. They learn that bacteria can be engineered to clean their community’s water or that crops can be designed to resist pests. Every word in Quechua or Aymara not only teaches them but sparks the possibility of a future where they, too, can be part of transformative science.

Our educational videos are more than lessons; they are bridges connecting cutting-edge technology with the deep traditions of our communities. Using relatable examples and stories, we show children that science isn't something distant, reserved for labs or books in foreign languages—it’s something they can understand and actively participate in.

Our work doesn’t stop there. We also provide crucial information on mercury contamination, an invisible danger threatening the waters and lands of our Andean and Amazonian communities. Picture a Quechua-speaking mother watching one of our videos. In her native language, she learns for the first time how mercury can harm her children's development, damage vital organs, and contaminate their food. Most importantly, she discovers how to protect her family and environment.

These videos are not merely warnings—they’re calls to action. We explain how detection technologies can prevent harm and how remediation methods can restore the land. By providing this information in Quechua and Aymara, we aren’t just educating—we’re empowering communities to take control of their own futures.

Educational Videos and Scripts on Mercury Awareness in Indigenous Languages

Aymara language

In this video, Rosa from iGEM Bolivia discusses the sources of mercury and its harmful effects on health. The goal is to raise awareness about mercury exposure and encourage steps to protectour well-being.

Script: Effects of Mercury on Health

Quechua language

In this video, Celinda from iGEM Bolivia explains how mercury contaminates the soil through industrial emissions, fossil fuel burning, and waste disposal. She also highlights three remediation techniques: enzymatic degradation, microbial bioremediation, and phytoremediation, where plants and microorganisms help clean mercury from the environment.

Script: Mercury contamination remediation

The Impact of Inclusivity

Letter of Request to the School to Conduct the Workshop

Visit to the Guido Villagómez Special Education Center Science for All: Breaking Barriers with Inclusive Synthetic Biology

Imagine a world where every child, regardless of their abilities or challenges, can experience the wonder of science. A world where curiosity knows no bounds, and learning extends far beyond textbooks. This vision drives us at iGEM Bolivia and fuels our initiative to bring science and technology workshops to the Guido Villagómez Special Education Center.

Science is a universal language, but it’s not always accessible to everyone. Children with special needs often find themselves excluded from educational opportunities in fields like biotechnology and synthetic biology—areas that are shaping the future. This exclusion not only limits their academic growth but also curbs their ability to dream and aspire to participate in the innovative, transformative world of science.

As part of our commitment to iGEM, we have developed workshops specifically designed for students with special needs. These workshops are not just educational—they are transformative experiences. By breaking down barriers of exclusion, we show that science does not discriminate.

In the theoretical sessions, we introduce the basics of biotechnology and synthetic biology in simple, visual, and participatory ways. We want every child to feel that science is not only exciting and accessible but also relevant to their lives. Imagine a child, previously unaware of biotechnology, realizing that they, too, can understand and apply these concepts.

But theory alone isn’t enough. We believe the real magic happens when students can experiment and discover for themselves. Our hands-on workshops allow students to safely conduct experiments, such as extracting DNA from fruits using household materials. These activities not only teach science but also nurture confidence and creativity, showing each student that they are capable of extraordinary things.

This initiative is more than just a workshop—it’s about changing lives. Through these activities, students not only acquire scientific knowledge but also develop social, motor, and emotional skills. It’s about making them feel part of something larger and showing them that, no matter the obstacles, they, too, can be scientists, innovators, and agents of change.

This project perfectly aligns with the core values of iGEM: promoting science and technology for social good while advancing inclusivity and diversity. It’s more than an educational activity—it’s a statement that science belongs to everyone. Above all, it’s a step toward a future where every child, regardless of their challenges, can actively participate in the world of science.

At iGEM Bolivia, we are here to show that biotechnology and synthetic biology are for everyone, not just a select few. Because, in the end, it’s not only about what we teach—it’s about the lasting impact we leave on each student’s life. This is our commitment: to bring science where it has never gone before, to open doors that have been closed for too long, and to show that science is truly for all.

Impacts

After conducting the survey, the results began to unfold a compelling story. Each response provided crucial pieces to the puzzle of how our project has impacted participants' knowledge, attitudes, and intentions. The data not only reflect a significant impact but also reveal a tangible shift in perception and engagement. Below, we unveil the quantitative results that narrate this transformation.