This is part of a larger project to construct a women’s community center in rural Paraguay. Water Charity’s funds will be used to complete the water and sanitation portions of the project, and, more particularly to purchase the materials and fixtures needed to accomplish this.
This is our first project in Paraguay, a South American country with over 6 million people. Paraguay shares borders with Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia. In rural areas, over 40% of the people lack a monthly income to cover basic necessities,
This project will be carried out by the committee Oñondivepa ‘all together’. A modest multi-purpose center will be built in order to create the first, and much-needed, bread bakery in their community. Future plans include the making of other food products, soap and clothing, as well as more ambitious goals like computer classes.
Peace Corps Volunteer Matthew Lebon, who is administering the effort, states:
This project marks an exciting moment for Paraguayan women, as it boldly challenges strictly defined gender roles and seeks to confront numerous challenges seen in today’s agriculture-based communities. A lack of access to capital and the laborious responsibilities of managing a household without appliances like washing machines and microwaves leave women with few opportunities to leave their homes, reach out to neighboring women, and improve upon their quality of life.
A practical solution, which taps into their entrepreneurial spirit and capabilities, starts with their own gathering place, located in the community. Its construction will be not only the launching pad for their bread bakery, but also a place for educational activities, experimentation, future planning, and female bonding.
To make this a reality, the women have already raised significant capital to buy the property and pay for the title. The community participation in this project is over 33%.
Additionally and quite significantly, their husbands have committed to greatly assist with the center’s construction, while supporting the concept without reservation.
We are pleased to be able to participate in this great project. In addition to the potential economic benefit to families in the community, it has value in creating a platform to demonstrate that women are capable of taking action to control their futures.
The Water Charity participation in this project has now been fully funded through the generosity of The Soneva SLOW LIFE Trust as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative.
We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Matthew of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by the PCV and/or other projects in the country of service.
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.