Paraguarí, Paraguay
Mid-Term Report
Saludos from Paraguay! Our project gathered together this past week
for Midterm, where Volunteers eagerly shared with one another about their new
Paraguayan friends and experiences. We
held two Midterm events in different regions of the country, first for our
Youth-to-Youth Community Development Volunteers and later for the Healthy
Household Volunteers. We kicked off each
Midterm with a Festival de Jovenes, a
gathering of young Paraguayans and AMIGOS Volunteers. The Volunteers brought two youth from each of
their communities, and together they reflected on youth leadership and the ways
in which young people can work together for community development. The Volunteers and Paraguayans brainstormed
many creative ideas for projects that they can still complete together during
these final weeks in their towns. After
the Paraguayans returned home, the AMIGOS Volunteers spent two days together
relaxing and telling stories about their time in Paraguay – some even took a hike to
fly kites! Volunteers also shared information
about the obstacles they have encountered, how they overcame these obstacles,
and the lessons they have learned thus far.
They each formed personal and project-related goals for the remainder of
the summer and left Midterm refreshed and ready to make the most of their last
two weeks in the communities!
The Healthy Household Volunteers have been hard at work
building latrines (ten per Volunteer!) and teaching children and others in the
community about their importance. The Volunteers
have additionally focused on implementing micro-proyectos,
or small projects, with their town members.
Micro-proyectos, such as
murals and community gardens, can be done with limited funds. Some of the Volunteers have collaborated with
community members to creatively fundraise for these small projects.
The Youth-to-Youth Community Development Volunteers have
worked together closely with their town members to identify primary projects
that benefit numerous people living in the community. Some are building playgrounds for children,
and others are building plazas where people can gather. Many unique and exciting projects are underway! Volunteers on the Youth-to-Youth project are
also working on micro-proyectos and
fundraising efforts with local youth groups.
Fifteen Paraguayan volunteers from the Junior Achievement
program joined many of the AMIGOS Volunteers in their communities for ten days
this July, during their winter break.
They worked together on the primary projects and helped the AMIGOS Volunteers
with their Spanish and Guarani. It was a
wonderful cultural exchange for both the Junior Achievement and AMIGOS Volunteers.
So far the Volunteers have survived the cold
Paraguayan winter, learned to speak a little Guarani, and most importantly,
they have formed many lasting friendships with their host families and
others. Very soon they will carry
memories of their summer in Paraguay
back with them to the United
States.
For now, the Volunteers are heading into these final weeks hoping to
savor every last day in this special country that has become like a second home
to many. ¡Hasta pronto
