PARAGUAY

Concert benefits educational center which supports over 2,000 youth

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Róga Children and Youth Symphony Orchestra in Paraguay celebrated its 21st anniversary with a concert entitled “In symphonic key: 21 years of transforming lives.” The event took place at the Tom Jobim Theatre at the Brazilian Embassy Cultural Center under the direction of Maestro Elio Fleitas. The concert was held for the benefit of the Don Bosco Róga Educational Center. There were several special guests in attendance, including prominent national artists.

A Salesian said, “The performance was a tribute to more than two decades of commitment, dreams and transformation. Over the years, the orchestra has been a space of artistic and personal growth for hundreds of youth, who have found that music had a way of transforming their lives and showing them the way to hope and self-improvement.”

Don Bosco Róga is an educational center located in Asunción that provides support to more than 2,000 youth in situations of vulnerability. One of its projects is the Don Bosco Róga Children and Youth Symphony Orchestra for 250 young people. The project is led by a staff of 27 educators and professionals and is aimed at youth ages 8 to 25.

Teachers provide lessons on 26 instruments including violin, cello, flute, oboe, bassoon, trumpet and symphonic percussion. There are also singing, dance and theater lessons offered from Monday to Friday in the afternoon and on Saturday mornings. While the lessons focus on music, there are many life skills taught in the program.

One Salesian said, “Our goal is not to train exceptional musicians, but to be a tool for saving human lives.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since establishing a church in Asunción in 1896. Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23 percent of its population of 6.5 million people lives in poverty, earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility.

Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy, in addition to a weak educational foundation, compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low-quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

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ANS – Paraguay – ‘In a symphonic key’: the Don Bosco Róga Orchestra celebrates 21 years of transforming lives

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PARAGUAY

(MissionNewswire) An environmental education project of the Salesian Province of Paraguay has reached 18 schools and more than 11,000 students across the country, after launching in 2021 at five schools. The project promotes environmental awareness and sustainable practices in schools.

The initiative is supported by Engagement Global (Service for Development Initiatives) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. It also has the support of the Ministry of Education and Science, which is responsible for reviewing, checking and verifying the content and certifying its suitability for application in the country’s schools. Cooperation was also established with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development.

In an interview with the newspaper La Nación, María José Llamosas, program coordinator, explained that the project is being developed in close collaboration with educational communities to integrate the curriculum right into school lessons. During the interview, the Pedro Ignacio Morínigo School garden was highlighted as an educational tool to teach about values such as respect for the environment, healthy food, patience, responsibility, friendship and commitment.

Llamosas emphasized that the education focuses on 10 themes, two of which are directly focused on climate change and risk management, with an emphasis on resilience. “We want the educational community to be able to identify these risk factors and know how to deal with them and adapt to climate change.”

Professor María Cristina Snead, teacher at the Don Bosco School in Ypacaraí, noted, “Working with children in environmental education allows us to build a more ecologically aware future. We are already seeing significant changes, both in the students and in their families.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since establishing a church in Asunción in 1896. Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23% of its population of 6.5 million people lives in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility.

Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy, in addition to a weak educational foundation, compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

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ANS – Paraguay – New environmental education project involves over 11,000 students

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PARAGUAY

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Róga Foundation and the Chalice Foundation are supporting the residents of the Divina Misericordia Rest Home located in the María Graciela neighborhood of the city of Ayolas, Paraguay. Both organizations delivered basic necessities to help improve the quality of life of the 18 elderly residents, many of whom live in vulnerable situations.

Domingo Cáceres, director of the Don Bosco Róga Foundation, said, “On behalf of the Catholic Chalice organization and the Don Bosco Róga Foundation, we are happy to contribute to the care and dignity of the daily lives of our elderly. This donation represents the first significant intervention in a series of planned donations to support the home on an ongoing basis.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since establishing a church in Asunción in 1896. Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23% of its population of 6.5 million people lives in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility.

Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy, in addition to a weak educational foundation, compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

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ANS – Paraguay – Important donation from the Don Bosco Róga Foundation to a home for the elderly in Ayolas

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PARAGUAY

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the Chaco Mission in Paraguay have a residence for students and visitors thanks in part to funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding from Salesian Missions helped complete the residence in 2023, after construction had been paused in 2021. Funding also helped support the mission with health care and nutrition.

The residence has served various purposes in the mission’s work. A Salesian explained, “Since the end of 2023, the residence has been rented by youth, from the interior of the country, who come here to study. It is a safe space for them to stay. We have hosted youth from abroad, and now have a space for the bishop and the missionaries who come to the capital for medical check-ups. The residence is also used for meetings in the Episcopal Conference.”

The project allows Salesians to help support the mission by providing a monthly rental income. In addition, a small space in the building is designated as a culture store for the exhibition and sale of crafts made by the local Indigenous communities. Indigenous artisans are now able to bring their crafts to Asunción, which provides an important means of income for them.

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since establishing a church in Asunción in 1896. Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23% of its population of 6.5 million people lives in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility.

Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy, in addition to a weak educational foundation, compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

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Salesian Missions – Paraguay

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World Bank – Paraguay

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PARAGUAY

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Province of Mary Most of Holy Assumption in Paraguay has launched the “Practical Implementation of Strategic Environmental Guidelines in Paraguayan Schools” project to include environmental education in 18 schools, two of which are public schools. The project will reach 11,000 students.

Beyond direct education for youth, the project will also engage in reforestation in various areas of the country, the installation of a photovoltaic solar plant, developing the school gardens, construction of water basins to facilitate recycling of water and the installation of differentiated containers for segregated waste management in schools.

“After the successful experiences and lessons learned in the implementation of the environmental education pilot project within Salesian educational institutions, we have decided to continue on this path of ecological conversion, forming good Christians and honest citizens committed to caring for our common home,” said María José Llamosas, an environmental engineer and project coordinator. “Our intention is to be able to have a real and profound impact on the local communities in which each of these educational institutions operates.”

Students were excited by the pilot project and are ready to engage in its continuation. David Núñez, a third-year agricultural student at the Carlos Pfannl Salesian Institute, said, “Within the institute we have a cattle production unit that produces organic waste in large quantities. We treat this organic matter to reduce the negative impact it can have on the environment, and then we use it for other extensive productions, in the nursery for reforestation and in the production of various articles.”

The initiative is implemented by the Salesian Province of Paraguay and the Antonia Ruut Foundation of Germany, with the support of Global Engagement (Service for Development Initiatives) and funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since establishing a church in Asunción in 1896. Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23% of its population of 6.5 million people lives in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility.

Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy, in addition to a weak educational foundation, compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

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ANS – Paraguay – A Salesian environmental education project aims to reach over 11,000 students in various parts of the country.

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World Bank – Paraguay

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PARAGUAY

(MissionNewswire) Salesian students living in the Apostolic Vicariate of el Chaco, Paraguay, have new housing thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The 2022 project provided a new apartment building for disadvantaged Indigenous college students who are studying in the capital of city of Asunción.

The inauguration of the first tower of apartments took place on Dec. 29, 2022. Funding provided for the installation of a transformer, air conditioners, water heaters and a sidewalk outside of the building, as well as blacksmithing of metal bars on the front of the building and gates. It also provided for the completion of the exhibition hall on the ground floor, interior paint and the electrical installation for the building.

“We are grateful to our donors who provided the funding so Salesian students would have a safe and comfortable place to live while they are completing their studies,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions. “Without boarding many of these students wouldn’t have been able to continue their education and prepare for the workforce.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since establishing a church in Asunción in 1896. Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23% of its population of 6.5 million people lives in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility.

Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy, in addition to a weak educational foundation, compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Paraguay

UNICEF – Paraguay

World Bank – Paraguay

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PARAGUAY

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Róga, an educational center located in Asunción, Paraguay, provides support to more than 2,000 youth in situations of vulnerability. One of its projects is the Don Bosco Róga Children’s and Youth Symphony Orchestra for 250 young people. The project launched in 2003 thanks to the support of international organizations.

Initially, the program was set up for youth living in the Salesian center, but over time it was extended to the whole community. The project is led by a staff of 27 educators and professionals and is aimed at youth ages 8-25. The project does welcome people of all ages and currently has two seniors who are 73 and 76 years old.

Teachers provide lessons on 26 instruments including violin, cello, flute, oboe, bassoon, trumpet and symphonic percussion. There are also singing, dance and theater lessons offered from Monday to Friday in the afternoon and on Saturday mornings. While the lessons focus on music, there are many life skills taught in the program. One Salesian said, “Our goal is not to train exceptional musicians, but to be a tool for saving human lives.”

Mary, age 14, has been part of the orchestra for six years. “I signed up because I had learning problems and was told that when you study music you become smarter, and it really helps me to perform better, both in school and socially. I play the violin and the cello.” Manuel, age 11, explained that he is happy to belong to the orchestra because he saw his sister playing the violin from an early age and wanted to become part of the group.

The project is free to those who wish to join. Renan Reckziegel, artistic director of the orchestra, explained, “Our desire is to continue to progress in the balance between the technical-musical and human and Christian development of all the beneficiaries. We want every young person to develop their musical skills and apply them to life and their environment.”

The orchestra plays symphonic, classical, folk, popular and Andean music. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it would hold more than a dozen concerts and meetings with other youth musical groups. It  has collected several national and international awards, and has recorded several albums.

The pandemic has put the project on hold for now because lessons must be held online and not all children can follow. The goal is to resume the project when it’s safe to do so.

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since establishing a church in Asunción in 1896. Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23 percent of its population of 6.5 million people lives in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility.

Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy, in addition to a weak educational foundation, compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

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ANS – Paraguay – “Don Bosco Róga” opens its doors to integrating minors thanks to music

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PARAGUAY

(MissionNewswire) The Maria Auxiliadora Parish community in Concepción, Paraguay, has new audiovisual equipment thanks to donor funding through Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The goal was to have the equipment necessary for the parish to conduct workshops with partners and youth and to carry out meetings focused on devotion to the Marian Catholic faith.

“The equipment is very beneficial for a range of activities including talks, workshops, pastoral meetings, pre-baptismal, premarital courses and meetings with young people,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions. “This new equipment impacts up to 30 people per meeting and gives the Salesian community better access to technology to facilitate its work with the community.”

Father Jorge Manfredo Cuevas Ramos and the Association of Mary Help of Christians facilitate the meetings and activities of the parish. The equipment purchased and installed works optimally in the facility. The parish needed air conditioning for the room where the equipment is housed and that has also been purchased and installed.

Also operating in Concepción is the Salesian San Luís Educational Institution. Founded in 1991, the institute currently provides services to 760 youth from kindergarten to middle school. The institute houses several schools within its grounds as well as a very popular oratory. Participating youth take part in primary and secondary education, summer camps, sports and art, dance, and theater classes.

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since establishing a church in Asunción in 1896. Through the years, missionaries have operated educational programs to help advance the skills and knowledge of the indigenous population in the area while promoting strong cooperation with leaders of the indigenous culture. Local Salesian programming supports laws in favor of the indigenous populations, the recovery of original lands, sustainable development, the appreciation of cultural values in each ethnic group and the fostering of internal leadership.

Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23 percent of its population of 6.5 million people lives in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility.

Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy, in addition to a weak educational foundation, compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

UNICEF – Paraguay Statistics

World Bank – Paraguay

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PARAGUAY

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Minga Guazú, a municipality in ​​the department of Upper Paraná, Paraguay, have been working to provide local people with food and relief support during the coronavirus pandemic. The Salesian community in Minga Guazú has also been coordinating the logistical work of the District Emergency Committee,  which was created at the beginning of the health crisis to help alleviate the needs that were beginning to emerge for the city’s most vulnerable families.

In the region, missionaries operate several organizations including the Don Bosco Institute, the Don Bosco Temple, the Mary Help of Christians Parish, the Mary Help of Christians Institute and the Mary Help of Christians Technical Institute.

“The miracle of Minga Guazú was built with the collaboration of many people, associations and institutions, such as the municipality and the Office of the Governor, beyond political allegiances and beliefs, with a very strong presence of the young people of the Salesian youth ministry,” explained Father Sergio Maciel, coordinator of the District Emergency Committee.

During the relief response, coordinators from 65 chapels within the parish collaborated to deliver food kits to families in need. When requests increased, the District Emergency Committee began working directly from Mary Help of Christians Technical Institute, where it still operates. Currently, the committee is distributing basic products to the poor across the Minga Guazú district, benefiting over 60,000 people.

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since establishing a church in Asunción in 1896. Through the years, missionaries have operated educational programs to help advance the skills and knowledge of the indigenous population in the area while promoting strong cooperation with leaders of the indigenous culture. Local Salesian programming supports laws in favor of the indigenous populations, the recovery of original lands, sustainable development, the appreciation of cultural values in each ethnic group and the fostering of internal leadership.

Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23 percent of its population of 6.5 million people lives in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility.

Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy, in addition to a weak educational foundation, compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low-quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

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ANS – Paraguay – About 60,000 people assisted by Minga Guazú District Emergency Committee

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PARAGUAY

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Carlos Pfannl Agricultural Institute, located in Coronel Oviedo, Paraguay, celebrated its 65th anniversary on Nov. 21. The Salesian Institute, which bears the name of one of its benefactors, was started with youth already in their third year at the Salesian Agricultural School of Ypacaraí. They worked together with Salesian missionaries to start the new school. At the time, the school grounds covered 5,000 hectares of forests and fields.

Father Guido Coronel dedicated himself to the construction of the current Salesian Institute, in addition to a parish dedicated to Mary Help of Christians. The land is optimal for cultivation and breeding.

The Salesian Carlos Pfannl Agricultural Institute is located about 140 km from the national capital, Asunción. When the institute was first opened, it was dedicated to educating local rural farmers. In 1970, the institute began offering bachelor’s degree courses in agro-pastoral and forestry techniques. In 2004, the institute started welcoming young women into the program.

The reputation of the institute’s quality is known throughout Paraguay. There have also been projects launched throughout the years that aim to reduce the poverty in the region and improve the living conditions for rural farmers. The institute is currently one of the most important Salesian centers in the country.

“Many of our students are the children of poor farmers in the area,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “We want to provide youth with new farming knowledge and skills so that they can make a good life for themselves while helping to support their families and community.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since establishing a church in Asunción in 1896. Through the years, missionaries have operated educational programs to help advance the skills and knowledge of the indigenous population in the area while promoting strong cooperation with leaders of the indigenous culture. Local Salesian programming supports laws in favor of the indigenous populations, the recovery of original lands, sustainable development, the appreciation of cultural values in each ethnic group and the fostering of internal leadership.

Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23 percent of its population of 6.5 million people lives in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility.

Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy, in addition to a weak educational foundation, compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low-quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

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ANS – Paraguay – 65 years of “Carlos Pfannl” Agro-Pastoral Institute

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PARAGUAY

(MissionNewswire) Students attending the Sacred Heart of Jesus Salesian school in Asunción, Paraguay, have won first place in the public services category at the Municipal Prize for Student Initiative on Human Rights organized by the Municipal Council of Asunción. Their winning project, “The world of Derni,” is a new educational game focused on teaching children’s rights. The game was subjected to a quasi-experimental investigation to show that applied in the classroom, it produces positive effects on users learning rights and duties.

“We are proud and honored to have the opportunity to meet the concerns of youth mobilized and involved in social issues,” said part of the statement from the Municipal Council about the event. The Salesian project was developed by students Camila García, Katherine Cáceres, Alicia Rodríguez and Ramón Cardozo. The project was led by Professor Carlos Molinas.

Whether it’s combating child labor, assisting homeless youth or building schools where children previously had no access to education, Salesian missionaries are on the front lines educating youth on their rights and ensuring access to programs and services they need. Working in more than 5,500 Salesian educational institutions and youth centers around the world, missionaries educate children in some of the poorest places on the planet.

“Education is always our primary focus, but we know youth are dealing with much more than just needing access to education,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian missionaries also provide education on human rights which provides vulnerable youth a sense of personal dignity and self-worth. At Salesian schools, young children gain an education, learn about their rights and freedoms and participate in sports and other activities—all in a safe environment that encourages learning and growth.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since establishing a church in Asunción in 1896. Through the years, missionaries have operated educational programs to help advance the skills and knowledge of the indigenous population in the area while promoting strong cooperation with leaders of the indigenous culture. Local Salesian programming supports laws in favor of the indigenous populations, the recovery of original lands, sustainable development, the appreciation of cultural values in each ethnic group and the fostering of internal leadership.

Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23 percent of its population of 6.5 million people lives in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility.

Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor. A lack of literacy, in addition to a weak educational foundation, compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low-quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

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ANS – Paraguay – “Salesianito” wins Municipal Prize for Human Rights

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In July 2018, Núñez was accepted into NASA’s Space Camp program at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. To be selected to attend, Núñez had to present numerous documents and reference letters and highlight an experiment that he had done documented by photographs and videos.

“It was a goal we achieved because I’ve always dreamed of being part of a NASA program and even working there,” says Núñez. “As difficult as it may seem for those who have always dreamed of being an astronaut, it seemed such a distant objective, yet I went ahead to achieve it. The experience of the Space Camp was a further step forward that brought me closer to what I had always dreamed of doing.”

After completing his experience at NASA, Núñez had the opportunity to speak as part of the TED Talks this July. He says, “At home I had no internet, but I had a collection of encyclopedias and books, and I would spend my time drawing planets and comets. At night I spent hours looking at the sky and the stars. As a child I cultivated this dream of becoming an astronaut. I’m happy to share my personal experience, to show that it is possible, with the utmost dedication, to fulfill one’s dreams.”

At the TED Talks, Núñez not only narrated his experience, but also listened to the stories of other young people. Once he had completed both Space Camp and the TED Talks, Núñez emphasizes that the future of nations is in the hands of the new generations.

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since establishing a church in Asunción in 1896. Through the years, missionaries have operated educational programs to help advance the skills and knowledge of the indigenous population in the area while promoting strong cooperation with leaders of the indigenous culture. Local Salesian programming supports laws in favor of the indigenous populations, the recovery of original lands, sustainable development, the appreciation of cultural values in each ethnic group and the fostering of internal leadership.

Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23 percent of its population of 6.5 million people live in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility.

Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy, in addition to a weak educational foundation, compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

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Paraguay – Participation of Sebastián Núñez at NASA campsite and “TED Talks”

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Participating students announced that this was only the beginning of their support for the environment and invited all educational institutions, especially Salesian educational centers, to give priority to ecological projects. The event was part of the “Do not suffocate our future” campaign organized by the Don Bosco Green Alliance.

Don Bosco Green Alliance members work to create an environment that is safe and caring for all life on the planet while building up a new generation of environmentally committed citizens and leaders. The Alliance’s priorities are combating pollution, reducing global warming and eliminating disposable plastics. In each of these areas, it aims to partner with ongoing global campaigns promoted by the United Nations Environment Program (UN Environment) or other international organizations.

“The Don Bosco Green Alliance is an important part of our Salesian youth ministry today,” says Father Savio Silveira, the convener of the Alliance. “Young people feel very strongly about the environmental crisis since they understand well the impact it has on their lives and their future. Accompanying young people as they seek solutions to environmental issues has to be an aspect of our youth ministry. Care for God’s creation is very definitely an integral element of our Salesian youth spirituality.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since establishing a church in Asunción in 1896. Through the years, missionaries have operated educational programs to help advance the skills and knowledge of the indigenous population in the area while promoting strong cooperation with leaders of the indigenous culture. Local Salesian programming supports laws in favor of the indigenous populations, the recovery of original lands, sustainable development, the appreciation of cultural values in each ethnic group and the fostering of internal leadership.

Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23 percent of its population of 6.5 million people live in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility.

Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy, in addition to a weak educational foundation, compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

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ANS – Paraguay – Students of “Carlos Pfannl” Agricultural Institute plant 600 trees

Don Bosco Green Alliance

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Salesian Missions – Paraguay

The post PARAGUAY: Youth from the Salesian Carlos Pfannl Agricultural Institute plant 600 trees as part of the Don Bosco Green Alliance “Do not suffocate our future” campaign first appeared on MissionNewswire.

“We want to be formed, but they want to mutilate our future, kill our dreams,” said the Salesian students at a press conference. “We are fed up with promises. Education should not have only one color, but the colors of our flag.”

More than 100 pre-enrolled students could not start their first-year lessons at the center because of insufficient funding. Faced with the lack of government support for teachers, about 300 people including students, teachers and parents blocked Route 7, the national route of Paraguay, with stalls.

The students asked the Ministry of Education and Science to assign resources to the vocational courses for electro-technicians, agricultural mechanics, general mechanics and agro-mechanics. The Salesian technical school offers more than 300 students a high school education that is unique in offering this kind of coursework.

The students’ studies were interrupted because of a lack of funding from the government. Salesian Father Pablino González, director of the school, has noted that the Departmental Education Coordinator, Eligio Martínez, has provided support for more than 1,800 hours of teaching and that there is a commitment to increase resources in the coming months. The municipality also promised a monthly monetary contribution.

On Feb. 21, a resolution was signed in which the District Municipal Council declared an “Educational Emergency” to accelerate efforts to obtain the resources the school required. School lessons were then able to continue on Feb. 25.

Ceferino Ruiz, Director General of the Ministry, along with Father Mario Villalba, provincial of the Salesian missionaries, will host a round table discussion on the issues. This will also be attended by Martínez; the supervisors, Francisca Benítez de Rios and Gill Montiel; the deputy, Blanca de Caballero; the mayor, Digno Caballero; and student representatives and Father Pablino González.

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since establishing a church in Asunción in 1896. Through the years, missionaries have operated educational programs to help advance the skills and knowledge of the indigenous population in the area while promoting strong cooperation with leaders of the indigenous culture. Local Salesian programming supports laws in favor of the indigenous populations, the recovery of original lands, sustainable development, the appreciation of cultural values in each ethnic group and the fostering of internal leadership.

Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23 percent of its population of 6.5 million people live in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility.

Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy, in addition to a weak educational foundation, compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Paraguay – Protests from students and parents: “We want to be formed, but they want to mutilate our future, kill our dreams”

UNICEF – Paraguay Statistics

World Bank – Paraguay

The post PARAGUAY: Salesian students from the María Auxiliadora Salesian Technical School hold protest to ask government for funding to support teachers first appeared on MissionNewswire.

“All youth deserve a chance to have an enjoyable summer vacation. Salesian programs provide a time when youth can relax with their peers and engage in safe activities,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “The programs provide much more than just recreational activities. There is an educational component included in each one. Even sports programs teach teamwork, skill building and problem solving.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since establishing a church in Asunción in 1896. Through the years, missionaries have operated educational programs to help advance the skills and knowledge of the indigenous population in the area while promoting strong cooperation with leaders of the indigenous culture. Local Salesian programming supports laws in favor of the indigenous populations, the recovery of original lands, sustainable development, the appreciation of cultural values in each ethnic group and the fostering of internal leadership.

Monsignor Luigi Lasagna, a student of Don Bosco in Italy, left for South America and founded the Salesian mission in Paraguay. Since that time, missionaries have been improving the lives of thousands of children, adolescents and their families through various programs and organizations.

Also operating in Concepción is the Salesian San Luís Educational Institution. Founded in 1991, the institute currently provides services to 760 youth from kindergarten to middle school. The institute houses several schools within its grounds as well as a very popular oratory. Participating youth take part in primary and secondary education, summer camps, sports and art, dance and theater classes.

“Salesian San Luís Educational Institution is an important part of the local community and works to educate the young and provide a space for peace and collaboration for the entire community,” adds Fr. Hyde. “Salesian missionaries are aware that families in Paraguay are dealing with conditions of poverty and many other issues. Providing the space and additional programming allows missionaries to connect with families and ensure that their needs are met.”

Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23 percent of its population of 6.5 million people live in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility.

Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy, in addition to a weak educational foundation, compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Paraguay – Salesian summer camps in Concepción

UNICEF – Paraguay Statistics

World Bank – Paraguay

The post PARAGUAY: Salesian missionaries launch summer camps for youth in Concepción first appeared on MissionNewswire.

“Sports programs teach youth both on and off the field,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Learning and playing team sports encourages leadership skills as well as teaches youth to work as part of a team. Students also learn important social skills and have opportunities for growth and maturity. We are thankful to our donors who were able to help support youth in Paraguay by funding the renovation of the courts and new sports equipment.”

Today, almost all Salesian programs include some form of recreation and some programs have developed more formal socio-sports components. The Salesian Missions office in Madrid, Spain formed a partnership with the Real Madrid Foundation that brings its Sports for Peace program to Salesian schools in several countries.

The Sports for Peace program’s motto is, “They play, we educate” and participants receive nutritional, family and psychological support, regular health checkups and the opportunity to participate in social and educational workshops in activities such as gymnastics, crafts, reading and citizenship. Training sessions on topics such as health, hygiene, values and the prevention of alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse are also provided. Outside of normal school hours participants in the program receive sports training by coaches specifically qualified by the Real Madrid Foundation.

Whether a formal athletic program or just informal time for recreation, sports are an integral component of Salesian programs. Safe recreational activities and team sports encourage physical health, foster community spirit and help keep kids off the street and deter them from joining gangs.

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since establishing a church in Asunción in 1896. Through the years, missionaries have operated educational programs to help advance the skills and knowledge of the indigenous population in the area while promoting strong cooperation with leaders of the indigenous culture. Local Salesian programming supports laws in favor of the indigenous populations, the recovery of original lands, sustainable development, the appreciation of cultural values in each ethnic group and the fostering of internal leadership.

Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23 percent of its population of 6.5 million people live in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility.

Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy, in addition to a weak educational foundation, compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

Salesian Missions publishes special projects like this on its websites for interested donors. To view the projects currently in need of funding, visit www.salesianmissions.org/projects.

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Sources:

Salesian Missions

UNICEF – Paraguay Statistics

World Bank – Paraguay

The post PARAGUAY: Street children attending programs at Don Bosco Roga will have new sports courts and sporting equipment thanks to Salesian Missions donors first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Monsignor Luigi Lasagna, a student of Don Bosco in Italy, left for South America and founded the Salesian mission in Paraguay. Since that time, missionaries have been improving the lives of thousands of children, adolescents and their families through various programs and organizations. One such organization, the Salesian San Luís Educational Institution located in Concepción, a town in central Paraguay, has been working with both the young and old.

Founded in 1991, the institute currently provides services to 760 youth from kindergarten to middle school. The institute houses several schools within its grounds as well as a very popular oratory. Participating youth take part in primary and secondary education, summer camps, sports and art, dance and theater classes. There are also pastoral activities such as catechism classes and preparation classes for Catholic sacraments.

The institute also acts as a cultural hub for people of all ages and various groups hold forums, debates, meetings, working sessions and additional educational activities for the entire community there. Recently, there was a decision to expand the facility and develop a multi-purpose building that will accommodate the many diverse groups that utilize the courtyards and playgrounds.

“Salesian San Luís Educational Institution is an important part of the local community and works to educate the young and provide a space for peace and collaboration for the entire community,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian missionaries are aware that families in Paraguay are dealing with conditions of poverty and many other issues. Providing the space and additional programming allows missionaries to connect with families and ensure that their needs are met.”

Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23 percent of its population of 6.5 million people live in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility.

Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy, in addition to a weak educational foundation, compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Paraguay – Preventive System grows in Concepción

UNICEF – Paraguay Statistics

World Bank – Paraguay

The post PARAGUAY: Salesian San Luís Educational Institution is developing a multi-purpose space to accommodate new programming and community groups first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The school’s library facility, books, furniture and resources are outdated and inadequate for students and teachers. Students will benefit from access to the internet where information is current and more readily accessible. The library also  lacks updated materials for teachers to help them in their lesson planning and education for students. The environment is  less than ideal for students and teachers to come together and focus on research and studying.

The donor funding will provide facilities improvements to the library including comfortable furniture and work spaces for students, as well as computers. Funding will also be provided to update books, resource materials for students and teachers, magazines and other reading materials. This includes new children’s and youth literature, which the library has not had before.

The library will be an essential part of the Don Bosco School. Students will be able to access additional reading and materials to accentuate their classroom education. The space will serve a quiet place for students to study and connect with teachers who can provide them extra help. Once fully updated, the library will be used to its fullest potential as a center for the entire educational community.

“Thanks to generous donor funding, the Don Bosco School will have a better, more fully functioning library that students and teachers can access,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “This new library will aid the learning environment at the school as well as give students and teachers the materials they need to be most productive. Salesian education provides a foundational education along with advanced studies so students can acquire the vocational and trade skills needed for later employment.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since establishing a church in Asunción in 1896. Through the years, missionaries have operated educational programs to help advance the skills and knowledge of the indigenous population in the area while promoting strong cooperation with leaders of the indigenous culture. Local Salesian programming supports laws in favor of the indigenous populations, the recovery of original lands, sustainable development, the appreciation of cultural values in each ethnic group and the fostering of internal leadership.

Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23 percent of its population of 6.5 million people live in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility.

Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy, in addition to a weak educational foundation, compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

Salesian Missions publishes special projects like this on its websites for interested donors. To view the projects currently in need of funding, visit www.salesianmissions.org/projects.

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Sources:

Salesian Missions

UNICEF – Paraguay Statistics

World Bank – Paraguay

The post PARAGUAY: Donor funding through Salesian Missions provides updated library for Don Bosco School students, community first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The Center for Integral Rehabilitation is the fourth of its kind to be opened in the country. At the opening ceremony, Andrés Silva, executive director of the foundation, noted the importance of helping those in need, especially children and adolescents who have disabilities. He said that thanks to Salesian missionaries these youth can now benefit from a service accessible to them. The center was made possible through the collaboration of the local citizens, the Salesian Province of Paraguay and the Itaipú Binacional Company, as well as the collaboration of volunteers and the City of Minga Guazú.

The new center is located in an area that is more accessible to local families who previously would have had to travel up to seven hours to receive similar services. The new building has a room for visitors, rooms for hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, a multi-sensory room, occupational therapy, a multipurpose hall for meetings and various other facilities. The aim of the center is to develop integral services for progressive rehabilitation at a national level for people with disabilities and their families by promoting an inclusive society and coordinating the efforts of various sectors of the community through events, campaigns, programs and initiatives.

UNICEF notes in its State of the World’s Children 2013: Children with Disabilities report that globally, close to 61 percent of boys finish school but for boys with disabilities that number drops to 51 percent. For girls, 53 percent finish school but among those living with a disability, only 42 percent finish their education.

The UNICEF report also notes that studies across countries show a strong link between poverty and disability, which in turn is linked to gender, health and employment issues. The report further suggests that inclusion in mainstream schools and educational settings is usually most appropriate for children with disabilities and when teachers and personnel are trained to consider disability-related issues, they look upon inclusion of children with disabilities more positively.

“Children living in poverty with a disability are even less likely to attend school when compared to their peers,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Youth with disabilities have the same ability to achieve as their peers, if given the opportunity.”

Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23 percent of its population of 6.5 million people live in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility. Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor, and a lack of literacy in addition to a weak educational foundation compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since 1896, beginning their work in the capital Asunción, near the port on the Paraguay River. There, they established a church and educational programs focusing on the arts and trades to help advance the skills and knowledge of the indigenous people.

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Sources:

ANS – Paraguay – Large contribution of the Salesian Family to the “Fundación Teletón”

UNICEF – State of the World’s Children 2013: Children with Disabilities

World Bank – Paraguay

The post PARAGUAY: Salesian Missionaries Collaborate with Local Foundation to Build Center for More Than 500 Students with Disabilities first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The International Labour Office has reported that the agro-pastoral sector has the highest incidence of violations of fundamental rights of workers, high frequency of accidents, health problems at work and discrimination. Rural villages in the country remain behind in development. The Salesian Institute, which has trained thousands of youth at a national level, has always supported rural communities and the smaller farms within the villages. Today more than ever, those responsible for the Salesian Institute feel engaged in the economic development and production of the country and felt the time was right for this new training project.

The project will provide young farmers with a basic education as well as advanced studies in the latest agricultural practices and modern technologies while moving towards efficiency in farming by exploring and testing new techniques in agriculture, horticulture, floriculture and animal husbandry. The school provides both classroom education and hands-on agriculture and livestock training on a working farm on the school campus.

Salesian missionaries at the school hope the agriculture degree program will entice more local youth to choose agriculture as their long-term livelihood. With a long history of providing agricultural education, missionaries currently operate more than 90 agriculture schools around the world.

“Many of our students are the children of poor farmers in the area,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “We want to provide youth with new farming knowledge and skills they can make a good life for themselves while helping to support their families and community.”

Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23 percent of its population of 6.5 million people live in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility. Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy in addition to a weak educational foundation compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

Poverty in Paraguay is associated with lower education levels, female heads of households and migration. Agriculture is among the most important employment sectors in the country’s economy. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low quality housing, and a lack of access to basic household services. Those that only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those that have access to and complete secondary school.

The Salesians have been working in Paraguay since 1896, beginning their work in the capital Asunción, near the port on the Paraguay River. There, they established a church and educational programs focusing on the arts and trades to help advance the skills and knowledge of the indigenous people.

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Sources:

ANS – Paraguay – The “Carlos Pfannl” Agro-Pastoral Institute launches a project for Poverty Reduction

International Labour Office – Paraguay

World Bank – Paraguay

The post PARAGUAY: Salesian Institute Launches New Agriculture Training Program for Rural Youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The emergency food relief was made possible thanks to an ongoing partnership between Salesian Missions and Feed My Starving Children, a non-profit Christian organization committed to, “feeding God’s children hungry in body and spirit.” The partnership has resulted in the donation of 10,000 kgs of rice meals to help provide food security for 40,000 displaced flood victims residing in settlements along the Paraguay River. Any remaining rice meals will be distributed to Salesian programs in the region.

“Salesian missionaries are an integral part of the existing infrastructure in many countries and Salesian Missions plays an important role in making sure aid from the United States reaches its destination country and gets into the hands of those who need it most,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian missionaries in Paraguay are responding to the ongoing needs of flood victims and working across the country providing education and skills training to help youth excel in the workforce.”

The ongoing partnership between Salesian Missions and Feed My Starving Children has resulted in 40-foot containers of fortified rice-meals being shipped to Salesian sites around the globe. Feed My Starving Children provides the food and Salesian Missions takes care of the cost and logistics of shipping each container from Feed My Starving Children warehouses to the destination country. Salesian Missions also works to help identify where the greatest needs are at any given time. The partnership began in early 2006 when the first 40-foot container was donated to and shipped by Salesian Missions for programs in Sri Lanka. Through the years, as Salesian Missions has determined beneficiaries in need of Feed My Starving Children food, almost 100 containers of more than 27 million meals have been donated, shipped and received by those in need in more than 25 countries.

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since establishing a church in Asunción in 1896. Through the years, missionaries have operated educational programs to help advance the skills and knowledge of the indigenous population in the area while promoting strong cooperation with leaders of the indigenous culture. Local Salesian programming supports laws in favor of the indigenous populations, the recovery of original lands, sustainable development, the appreciation of cultural values in each ethnic group and the fostering of internal leadership.

“Through educational programs, Salesian missionaries are focusing on increasing the capacity of indigenous communities,” adds Fr. Hyde. “Youth who lack educational resources remain in poverty. Our programs teach necessary trade skills to advance employment opportunities and give youth the chance of a better life.”

Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23 percent of its population of 6.5 million people live in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility. Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy in addition to a weak educational foundation compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

According to the World Bank, those in Paraguay that are monolingual Guarani speakers have almost a 50 percent greater chance of being poor than monolingual Spanish speakers and migrant populations have a 60 percent higher probability of being poor than non-migrants.

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Sources:

UNICEF – Paraguay Statistics

World Bank- Paraguay

The post PARAGUAY: Donation Provides Emergency Food Relief to 40,000 Displaced by Flooding first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Poverty in Paraguay is associated with lower education levels, female heads of households and migration. Agriculture is among the most important employment sectors in the country’s economy. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low quality housing, and a lack of access to basic household services. Those that only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those that have access to and complete secondary school.

According to the World Bank, those in Paraguay that are monolingual Guarani speakers have almost a 50 percent greater chance of being poor than monolingual Spanish speakers and migrant populations have a 60 percent higher probability of being poor than non-migrants.

The Salesians have been working in Paraguay since 1896, beginning their work in the capital Asunción, near the port on the Paraguay River. There, they established a church and educational programs focusing on the arts and trades to help advance the skills and knowledge of the indigenous people.

Most recently, the Paraguayan Parliament honored Father Joseph Zanardini of the Salesians of Don Bosco in recognition of the educational programming the Salesians have brought to the indigenous people in the Chaco region. Fr. Zanardini is a professor of Social Anthropology at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic University and has been invited to many countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia to speak on indigenous culture and the revitalizing of languages as a tool for strengthening local identity. He works to prepare new programs for indigenous schools based on local needs.

This honor rewards Fr. Zanardini’s work as well as all those within the Salesian community who provide educational programs and have contributed to promoting a number of laws on behalf of the indigenous community.

“Through educational programs, the Salesians are focusing on increasing the capacity of indigenous communities,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Youth who lack educational resources remain in poverty. Our programs teach necessary trade skills to advance employment opportunities and give youth the chance of a better life.”

To date, close to 500 indigenous schools in Paraguay are receiving state support to educate some 25,000 students. These schools are made possible by the hard work and dedication of 1,500 teachers, most of whom are also indigenous.

Salesian programs promote strong cooperation with leaders from the indigenous culture. Various activities have driven the Salesians work through the years including recovery of original lands, the appreciation of cultural values in each ethnic group, support for sustainable development, fostering internal leadership and supporting laws in favor of the indigenous populations.

Sources

ANS – Paraguay – Salesian work with indigenous Chaco recognised

UNICEF – Paraguay Statistics

World Bank- Paraguay

The post PARAGUAY: Salesians Receive Recognition for Work with Indigenous Communities first appeared on MissionNewswire.