Building a New Generation of Leaders in Bolivia: The Story of Libera

What does it take to challenge a prevailing political ideology in a country, especially when speaking out can put your freedom at risk? For Jorge Velarde Rosso and Juan Pablo Chamon, the answer is a long-term commitment to developing young leaders who think critically, challenge conventional wisdom, and help shape Bolivia’s future.

Through Libera Bolivia, Jorge and Juan Pablo are working to broaden the country’s public debate around individual freedom, free markets, limited government, and personal dignity.

Their work began in 2011, when Jorge, a university professor inspired by classical liberal ideas and Austrian economics, began mentoring Juan Pablo and other students. What started as a small educational project gradually developed into an organization dedicated to preparing the next generation of leaders.

Investing in the Long Game

From the beginning, Libera’s founders understood that changing a country’s political culture would take years, perhaps decades. Their strategy was to identify curious, committed young people and equip them with ideas they might not encounter in their formal education.

The goal was never to produce a generation that simply repeated Jorge and Juan Pablo’s views. Instead, they wanted young people who could think independently, question assumptions, and engage in serious debate. They believe that a healthy society requires people who can evaluate ideas for themselves rather than accept a single prescribed way of thinking.

The Cost of Speaking Out

That commitment came with significant personal risks. Juan Pablo became a public advocate for Libera’s ideas, challenging the government’s prevailing political direction in media appearances and public debates.

He describes facing criminal accusations and eventually leaving Bolivia around Christmas to avoid what he feared would happen within the country’s judicial system. His absence came at a personal cost, including missing important family moments.

Yet the organization continued growing. Rather than abandon its work, the team chose to strengthen its efforts and remain committed to its long-term vision.

Building Relationships That Last

Libera’s growth also offers lessons in fundraising and organizational leadership. Early conversations with potential supporters were not always encouraging.

One businessman initially told the founders that he had neither time nor money for their project. Years later, that same supporter offered them office space he was no longer using.

The experience reinforced a lesson familiar to many nonprofit leaders: trust and credibility take time to build. Sustained relationships, consistent work, and a willingness to think beyond immediate results can create opportunities that are not available at the beginning.

Going Big Means Thinking Beyond Today

Jorge and Juan Pablo see Bolivia’s recent political changes as an opportunity, rather than a guarantee of success. They recognize that rebuilding institutions and changing a country’s political culture will require sustained effort across generations.

Their story is a reminder that going big does not always mean pursuing rapid growth or immediate victories. Sometimes it means investing in people, building an institution from the ground up, and staying committed when progress is slow and the personal costs are high.

For Libera Bolivia, the ultimate measure of success will be a generation of leaders equipped to think critically, defend their ideas, and help build a freer and more prosperous society.