Paraguay
Paraguay is the fastest-growing country in the Americas, but its economic success exists only in pockets: more than 30 percent of the population lives in extreme poverty.
Despite its growing agriculture sector and a sharp rise in export commodities like beef, soybeans and wheat, Paraguay ranks near the bottom among South American countries in reducing poverty over the last decade.
Land concentration in the Paraguayan countryside is one of the highest in the globe: 10% of the population controls 66% of the land, while 30% of the rural people are landless.
Even with both parents working, many families are forced to live in cramped quarters or with relatives. We often see a family of seven or more living in a one-room house made of scrap metals, plywood and other materials.
Families often lack access to basic services like health care and education.
With the growing economy there are now, for the first time, opportunities for low-income people to move forward – but even in Paraguay a quality secondary education and vocational training is a must for anybody who wants to find stable employment.
Education
Historically, Paraguay has not valued education highly. While the government provides public education, many children are not able to attend because their families need them to bring in extra income, there are no schools in their area or the cost of uniforms, textbooks and supplies is simply too much.
The students who do attend government schools often get a poor education because classrooms are overcrowded, teachers are under qualified, underpaid and unmotivated, schools lack adequate resources and the infrastructure is crumbling. In addition, the dropout rate remains very high.
Many parents in our programs work long hours for low pay to make ends meet. Many men work as street vendors, bricklayers, plumbers, or recyclers in local garbage dumps. Some women find employment as maids or street vendors.
Our Work in Paraguay
PROED School
Part of the Integrated Children's Centre that includes a shelter for street children, the PROED School is a top-performing school in the area that focuses specifically on helping single moms living in poverty send their kids to school and move forward in life.
Location: Asuncion
Grades: Daycare – Grade 9
Students: 400
La Amistad School
Built entirely by generous Canadians like you, the La Amistad School is the community hub for hundreds of families living in precarious housing near the Paraguay River. The school was founded by the La Amistad Church after the pastor was brutally attacked — and left for dead — by youth gang members in the area. Having forgiven the aggressors, the church decided to build a school so young people in the neighbourhood would have the chance to build a better future.
Location: Puerto Botanico
Grades: Pre-school – Grade 12
Students: 390
Sinai School
When the Sinai School was about to close its doors, caring Canadians like you stepped in to save the day. Today the school is a beacon of hope for children born into poverty with few chances to develop their God-given potential. With your help, we are continuing to expand and develop the school — with 50 to 100 new children being taken in every year.
Location: San Lorenzo
Grades: Pre-school - Grade 12
Students: 470
Oasis School
Located in a rural township with few opportunities for children and youth, the Oasis School is one of the largest schools in the area. Parents contribute to the education of their child by helping run a farm behind the school, growing vegetables and fruit to be sold at the market with profits going back into the school.
Location: Benjamin Aceval
Grades: Daycare – Grade 12
Students: 400
Cateura Community Education Centre
(Recycled Orchestra)
Location: Cateura
Grades: Music programs children ages 6-18
Students: 290
Educate a Child
Help fund our education programs and provide a hopeful future for children in need