Right to a life free of violence – Paraguay

The project

The emergence of the phenomenon of children and adolescents in street situation in Paraguay goes back to the 80s, the decade marked by structural economic adjustment measures as well as the migration process from rural to urban areas. Child labor, girls and boys living on the streets therefore falls within a family survival strategy. In the country, an estimated 322,000 children and adolescents of 5 to 17 years of age are estimated to be in paid (or not) employment. Moreover, in the Central Department and the Center of the capital, there are about 26,000 child laborers and / or living on the streets.

Despite socio-political advances, extreme poverty is increasing, mainly in urban areas. In addition, social programs directly aimed at children in street situations generate their gradual detachment and / or uprooting from their living areas, whether from their family or community.

Geared towards children and adolescents living or working in street situations within poor communities in the urban areas of Asunción, in the Central Department and the Central Market, the project seeks to meet their basic needs, strengthen family and community ties, develop the capabilities of children and adolescents so they can actively participate in protecting and defending their rights and therefore influence local government policies.

Activities

  1. Strengthening school and academic monitoring, in collaboration with schools
  2. Training workshops for fathers / mothers on child rights and child violence
  3. Training, organizing and supporting groups of more aware and sensitive parents, and of groups of children and    adolescents workers living on the streets
  4. Dissemination campaigns of the Rights of the Child and awareness about child violence
  5. Organization of a daily community school milk service

Key figures

Direct beneficiaries:

  • 180 children and adolescents working at the Central Market at risk of being in entry process into a street situation and family detachment.
  • 200 children and adolescents living in the “9 de Marzo” colony and nearby communities and considered as high risk.
  • 80 fathers and mothers and other family referents for children and adolescents in both areas (9 de Marzo Colony and Central Market).

Learn more

Partner Organization:

  • Callescuela Association
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