An organization that symbolizes the long-standing friendship between Paraguay and the United States is the Peace Corps, an agency under the U.S. government. Established in 1961 under the leadership of President John F. Kennedy, this agency dispatches volunteers to partner countries around the world to promote peace and friendship. Paraguay is one of the Peace Corps' longest-running active countries. Since the first agreement was signed in 1967, over 5,000 volunteers have shared their lives with the people of Paraguay and continued the cooperative relationship.
Three Core Goals of Service
The Peace Corps' work is based on three goals. First, to provide the technical support requested by partner countries to help with socioeconomic and environmental development. Second, to help the people of Paraguay better understand U.S. citizens through cultural exchange. Third, to help U.S. citizens gain a deeper understanding and respect for Paraguayan culture. To achieve these goals, volunteers are U.S. citizens of various ages and backgrounds, from 21 to 80 years old, and the most important quality for them is the 'willingness to live and work with a community in another country.'
A Service System Focused on Localization
Volunteers dispatched to Paraguay receive three months of intensive training before their official service begins. During this period, they learn Spanish and Guarani, deepen their understanding of local culture, and receive technical training required for their respective fields. After arriving in the country, they live with a local family in a homestay for the first few months to adapt to community life. Some continue to do a homestay for the entire two years, while others choose to live independently. The Peace Corps provides an appropriate level of living allowance, including food, housing, transportation, and other living expenses, to ensure that volunteers can live at a similar standard to local residents.
Service Activities in Diverse Fields
Currently, about 220 Peace Corps volunteers are carrying out various projects across Paraguay. Their main areas of activity are as follows:
Agriculture and Livestock: They support new agricultural techniques and practices such as vegetable production, soil conservation, small animal farming, and product marketing with the goal of improving farm productivity. The partner agency is the Agricultural Extension Department (DEAG) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
Environmental Conservation: They raise awareness of environmental protection and biodiversity and help local communities use natural resources sustainably. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the National Tourism Secretariat, and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) participate as partner agencies.
Community Health: They conduct educational training and preventive activities on hygiene, nutrition, prevention of non-communicable diseases, HIV/STD prevention, and reproductive health. The Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare is the main partner agency.
Community Economic Development: They support the empowerment of young people through civic education, entrepreneurship, household financial management, information technology, and business planning.
Volunteers work with their Paraguayan partners to achieve development goals at the request of local government agencies or community organizations. Even after the two-year service period ends, many former volunteers continue to support local development efforts based on their deep affection for Paraguay.
They also play a significant role in introducing Paraguayan culture and its people to the United States. Volunteers begin their service with the message that if they approach their work with a humble and respectful attitude, they will be fully welcomed by the community and will gain unforgettable experiences and friendships. Volunteers are encouraged to spend most of their time socializing with local residents and living a life that is fully integrated into the daily routine.
The Peace Corps, Walking Together Toward Paraguay's Future
Beyond providing support, the Peace Corps has played a crucial role in forming a deep bond in the relationship between Paraguay and the United States. Volunteers realize that their experience will have a profound impact on their personal and professional lives, which often leads to friendships and connections that last a lifetime. Even after their service is over, they cherish the deep relationships formed in Paraguay.
In this way, the Peace Corps has established itself as a symbolic presence that strengthens the friendship between the two countries through cultural exchange and mutual understanding, going beyond mere technical assistance. Their dedication contributes to Paraguay's development while also providing Americans with a valuable experience that allows them to see the world from a broader perspective.
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