Paraguay Debriefing Report

Since the volunteers left Midterm, they have been hard at work completing projects in their communities, and soaking up their remaining time in Paraguay.  The Volunteers have had a successful summer and have coordinated with town members to implement a broad range of creative and important programs. 

Volunteers on the Healthy Households project have constructed about 280 latrines and have facilitated educational activities in local schools on sanitation and other health-related topics.  These volunteers have also completed various micro-proyectos, small-scale projects, like school parks and community gardens. Youth-to-Youth Volunteers have been organizing with town members and local youth to implement community-specific development programs, which vary greatly.  Some projects include refurbishing school classrooms, building parks for children, beautifying plazas, building a basketball court and large-scale tree planting efforts. The many unique projects reflect the resourcefulness, innovation and dedication of both the volunteers and community members.

Volunteers spent this final past week in the communities finishing their projects and relishing time with their host families and new friends.  On Aug. 11 they will leave their newfound homes with their host families and attend a closing ceremony, which will celebrate the summer’s accomplishments and the many people who graciously supported the AMIGOS program and volunteers.  After the ceremony the Volunteers will say their final goodbyes to their Paraguayan friends and families, and head to a four day Debriefing. 

At Debriefing, volunteers will spend time reflecting upon their summer experience and preparing for their return home.  They will also have time to relax and share stories of their summer with fellow volunteers.  Staff will say farewell to the volunteers on Tuesday evening, and by Wednesday they will return to Los Estados Unidos.  Project Staff members have witnessed the Volunteers grow tremendously throughout the course of the summer, and we are certain they will return from this experience even more caring and perceptive to the world that surrounds them. The Paraguay Staff 2007 sends a heartfelt aguyje, or thank-you, for the opportunity to work with this wonderful group of volunteers.