Paraguay
Known as the ‘Heart of America’, Paraguay is a landlocked country bordered by Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina. With a population of 6.2 million, it is one of the least densely populated countries in the Americas. ‘Paraguay’ is a Guaraní word, which means: ‘River source of a Beach’. Most people in the country speak both the official languages – Spanish and Guaraní.
In 2002 Paraguay’s economy was in serious trouble after years of stagnation and the impact of the financial crisis in neighbouring Argentina. Emergency loans, conditional on economic reforms being made, were negotiated with the International Monetary Fund. Since then Paraguay has experienced some economic growth however, the majority of the population has not benefited. Around 60% of Paraguayans live in poverty and 16% of the population live on less than $1 a day.
Paraguay has made some progress in the field of human rights, by signing up to a number of international treaties to improve the rights and status of women and to eradicate the worst forms of child labour. However services for women and children have remained poor, and many children are affected by life-threatening illnesses such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B and influenza hemophilius.
Some of the reasons why Plan works in Paraguay
- 14% of children under five years old suffer from stunted growth due to poor nutrition
- Only 50% of children attend secondary school
- Almost 40% of the rural population does not have access to adequate drinking water
- A quarter of the population does not have access to adequate sanitation facilities
Growing interest in school gardens
Children in a community in Paraguay are learning how to grow and prepare vegetables as part of a project to improve food quality at school and at home |
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Paraguayan musicians conquer event
The Children’s and Young People’s Orchestra from the rural district of Isla Pucu, Paraguay, spectacularly triumphed at one of the biggest concerts held in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
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Children take responsibility for their school
In Paraguay the School Student Government project aims to promote active participation of children at school, encouraging them to act in the community and solve problems, whilst learning about governance. We meet some of the children and interview Marcus, their President. |
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Life on the move in Paraguay
In Paraguay, families often move or 'migrate' seasonally to new areas for many reasons.
Click on the title above to read more.
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