Paraguay is a South American country with a population of 6.4 million, situated between Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia. The 2 official languages are Guarani, an indigenous language, and Spanish.

To the north-east of the capital Asunción, the town of Arroyos y Esteros was founded by Don Pedro de Portugal in 1781. It currently has a population of 24,700, with 40 schools and 10 colleges. Due to the scarcity of work, the young population generally emigrates in search of work and new opportunities.

Ensuring comprehensive education and training

In 1963, in response to the desire of the Arroyos community to establish a Catholic school for young people, three Daughters of Charity founded a Normal School to train teachers. The following year, a benefactress donated land to build La Providencia school. In 1965, 178 primary school pupils entered the school in the 6 classrooms of a new building, constructed thanks to the efforts of parents and donors, and the contribution of the Company of the Daughters of Charity.

IT and audiovisual equipment in very short supply

The school expanded and set up a computer room in 2007.
But today, this equipment can no longer meet the training needs of the very large number of pupils: they can only have access to computer lessons from the age of 10. 

"This situation became even worse following an electrical accident that fried the computers. Only a few of them could be replaced due to the lack of resources. The school receives no contributions, grants or benefits from the Ministry of Education and Science. The school is totally lacking in local, departmental and national support". Sr Sofia

The lack of computer and audiovisual equipment directly affects all pupils. Teachers do not have the necessary tools: academic learning about new information technologies is limited. The vast majority of children have limited financial means to access IT courses outside the school. Pupils are victims of the ‘digital divide’.

"Parents are ready to help, aware of the importance of access to IT tools to prepare their children for the future. Some voluntarily contribute to the hiring of IT teachers. But many of them have limited resources and, although keen to help, are unable to do so." Sr Sofia

The project: to equip the La Providencia school with IT and audiovisual teaching tools to meet today's educational requirements

It will provide a well-equipped computer room with :

- the purchase of 3 audiovisual projectors and 10 tablet computers
- maintenance to ensure the durability of the equipment.

The direct beneficiaries are the 384 pupils, from nursery to secondary school, and the 25 teachers.

TO LIVE JOYFULLY IS TO APPRECIATE THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE

"We want students to be able to reach their full potential as individuals, and this learning about today's new technologies will contribute to that." Sr Sofia