Help Poor Rural Girls in Paraguay go to University

One step closer: bringing girls closer to science 

The last year of high-school is often critical to decide what students want to do for the rest of their lifes. In this sense, the experiences they have at this stage in life in critical and could make a profound impact. Many study show that the interest of girls on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is equal or more than boys in highschool. However,  a agender gap in participation starts to appear as girls take fewer of the more advanced STEM courses and tests as they get closer to college. This gap widens the longer girls are in school and is often compounded by issues of race and class. This might be different for a rural girl in a Self-sustainable Shcool in Paraguay. 

Ana, a third year student was selected along with other two paraguayans to participate in the Bayer Scientific Camp Kimlu 2020. This event took place in Valle del Elqui, Coquimbo Region, Chile from March 4th and 14th. This initiative is co-organized by Bayer and Fundación Ciencia Joven, with the collaboration of the Center of Advanced Studies on Arid Zones (Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas-CEAZA, in spanish), that focuses on outdoor activities, science, technology, engineering and math looking to contribute to the next generation of leaders in these topics in Latin America. Students were selected based on their interest and aptitudes in STEM areas. In total, 40 students from Paraguay, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay were selected among 500 applicants.

The main objective of the Scientific Camp is to promote the development of scientific skills and leadership in all participants. Students participated in outdoor activities such as workshops, sports and others to enhance their leadership skills through various dynamics. Moreover, they had to develop a collaborative scientific investigation. At all times, students were immersed in an environment of high demand, teamwork and discussion, where they had to use their skills to solve problems with scientific focus. 

On December 13, the graduation ceremony of the Mbaracayú Educational Center took place, celebrating 27 new graduates. These graduates all received technical diplomas in environmental sciences and are leaders in environmental protection. The 27 graduates join a total of 307 young people graduated so far in 10 years of school operations.

In rural areas, receiving a bachelor's degree is a challenge for young women, so this graduation means a very important achievement for the families and communities to which they belong, They now have environmental technical skills and stand out for their knowledge and leadership.

Congratulations to the Mbaracayú Educational Center Class of 2019!

The Mbaracayu Educational Center (CEM) participated in the Paraguay Open Robotics technology event that took place on July 5 of this year.

This event is organized by the Los Laureles Educational Center and was sponsored by the National Secretary of Sports, the Ministry of Education and Science and Senatics and consists of two phases of participation: Exhibition and Competition.

The four CEM girls participated in two teams of two students each in the Exhibition mode. The works presented were:

• Electronic stick to help people with visual disabilities based on the use of an Arduino board and distance sensors.
• Robot garbage collector powered by a hydraulic system based on hypodermic syringes with water.

During the event, the Minister of Education, Eduardo Peta, who observed and interacted with the different teams in the showroom was present, being pleasantly surprised with the work shown there.

The event was held at the premises of the National Secretary of Sports, attending different schools throughout the country.

Finally, the Mbaracayu Educational Center received a mention as an Outstanding Institution, by the judges of the event, publishing the results on the Facebook fanpage of the Los Laureles Educational Center.

6 current students and one graduate, in total 7 girls from Center of Education Mbaracayú (CEM), were selected to participate in the Penguin Bootcamp, held in Asunción. Fundación Paraguaya has teamed up with Penguin Academy to bring a prestigious and innovative technology workshop to Paraguay. Penguin Programming Bootcamps are intensive courses of programming that lasted 2 weeks and took participants from a level of "zero experience" to be ready to start a technology internship.

The course was held at the Casa de Nómadas in Asunción from May 6 to 22. The projects carried out by the CEM students during the bootcamp were presented at the Cerrito Forum 2019, where they were 1st and 2nd place winners.

In 2009, a dream that seemed impossible began, a women's school in the middle of the forest of the Mbaracayú Reserve, with a clear vision of transforming them into agents of sustainable development and protection of the environment.

Since then, 280 students have graduated, among them young women from rural areas, peasants, indigenous Aché and Guaraníes, Paraguayan, Brasiguayas, Brazilian, Bolivian representatives, and a fantastic multicultural variety that enriches diversity. In commemoration of the 10^th anniversary, an initiative of all alumni was organized: a reunion and parade of graduates in the city of Villa Ygatimi. Approximately 50 graduates attended, accompanied by the current 120 students and the current teaching staff. At the end of the parade, a community activity was carried out in the community square, which consisted in the improvement of the plaza, the placement of garbage cans and the planting of small trees. During the year we plan to continue this type of community activities. It was attended by the Mayor and local government representatives. In addition to this particular activity, throughout the year we will celebrate the 10 years of the institution with different actions.