In the heart of the Paraguayan Chaco, growing up is a daily challenge

It is one of the poorest regions in Paraguay. It is also an area highly vulnerable to climate change, which affects livestock farming, agriculture, and access to water. 
In General Bruguez, between seasonal floods and extreme droughts, 610 families are struggling to survive in this region abandoned by the local authorities. Access to water, health and quality education remains a privilege. 

In 2017, two Daughters of Charity and a missionary priest discover a harsh reality: the city is marked by a climate of insecurity, family conflicts, political, religious and other... There are slums formed by landless inhabitants, with very limited resources, who devote themselves to small daily tasks, often insufficient to lead a dignified life.

"We see families weakened, adolescents exposed to drugs and violence, marginalized indigenous populations, children left to their own devices. Absenteeism and dropping out of school become a silent but constant threat." Sr. Lourdes 

Faced with this emergency, the sisters choose to act and support these children in great vulnerability.

 "Jajotopa hagua – Let's meet" 

After contacting school teachers, children in great difficulty were identified as early as May 2024. Interviews were conducted with all families to explain the project and identify further needs. 

In a safe, warm space, 25 primary school children can benefit each week from two hours of tutoring, educational and fun activities, and a snack! 
"They also benefit from psychological counselling: children have needs conditioned by their reality (abandonment, maltreatment, abuse...). Here, each child regains confidence." Sr. Lourdes

The results are visible. Teachers see progress in school and a change in attitude. Parents speak of children who are more motivated, calmer, and happier to go to school. Where discouragement dominated, hope was reborn.

But today, due to lack of resources, the project is threatened. 

Your support will:

- ensure the continuity of personalized school support.
- fund the intervention of a psychologist 
- create a "parents' school" to sustainably prevent dropout.
- and finally, offer a structured space for these children in difficulty.

"This project is more than a school support: it is a barrier against abandonment, violence and exclusion. It is a chance given to 25 children today and to an entire community tomorrow." Sr. Lourdes

Help us to enable them to stay in school.

If the project raises more than its goal, any excess funds received will be allocated to a similar project.