Cultural Connections through Community Service

Paraguay is one of the poorest nations in South America.  Gross National Income per capita is $1,300 per person (compare to $35,000 in the US) and 70% of the population earns less than $2 per day a statistic that clearly illuminates Paraguay’s extreme poverty. This poverty most pointedly affects the youth of Paraguay suffer an under-five mortality rate that is four times higher than in the United States.

As part of the community service trip, you will be asked to pitch in and offer assistance in whatever capacity might be needed and to share the knowledge and experience you have gained from your home culture and life experiences.

You could help a neighborhood school or day-care center for needy children, an institution that provides basic health care services, a community desperately in need of cleanup efforts, plant trees as part of a local reforestation project, assist in the construction of restrooms that benefit the greater than 50% of rural households without running water, tutor low-income students in English and other subjects necessary to pass college entrance exams, or provide other services based on your skills and interests.

You will not be expected to be an expert, to have answers to local problems, or possess the ability to change local conditions.  While the situation can seem daunting, it is important to remember that results are achieved through the small contributions of many. 

I am inspired by the following words:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

“You can't do everything - but you always can do something. Do what you can, where you are, with what energies and talents you have, given other certain obligations.”  Don Irish

With that said, it’s not all work!  You will also have ample opportunity to visit Iguazu Falls, tour Asuncion, visit local communities, go on a boat ride on Ypacarai Lake, experience the culture, appreciate the subtropical landscape, and do other sight-seeing that is of interest to you.