In Paraguay, early childhood education has been negatively affected by the U.S. foreign aid cuts. One of the impacted projects, “Learning Through Play at My School, My Home, and My Community,” was designed to improve learning environments for young children. Led by Fe y Alegría, the project aimed to renovate classrooms and build essential play areas to create a better space for preschool education. The initiative relied on multiple funding sources, including U.S. foreign aid. However, recent funding cuts left 15 schools unable to complete much-needed renovations for their preschool classrooms.
Fe y Alegría Paraguay estimated that the project would directly benefit 1,600 children between the ages of 1 and 5, along with their parents.
Early childhood education, especially the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, is one of the most effective strategies for human and social development. Research from organizations like UNESCO, UNICEF, and the World Bank highlights that investment in early childhood education is crucial for breaking the cycle of poverty and building more just societies.
Early childhood education interventions, like those implemented by Fe y Alegría, lead to benefits such as reduced crime rates, increased productivity, and improved lifelong learning outcomes.
Building a Strong Start for Every Child
Fe y Alegría’s “Learning Through Play at My School, My Home, and My Community” project was built on three pillars: strengthen early childhood education, create effective learning environments, and build sustainable impact.
Key to the first pillar was teacher training. A total of 63 teachers participated in specialized training programs, including 35 educators certified as early childhood specialists. These programs, developed by Fe y Alegría and officially approved by the Paraguay Ministry of Education and Sciences, focused on creating a healthy and engaging learning environment for young children.
In their effort to create effective learning environments, Fe y Alegría is working to improve the infrastructure of their early childhood education classrooms. These renovations go beyond simple classroom maintenance. Fe y Alegría wanted to reshape the whole space to foster a more stimulating and child-friendly space where students could develop essential early skills through play-based learning..
Before funding was suspended, some preschool classrooms were successfully repaired and remodeled. From repairing cracked or crumbling walls to new chalk boards and fresh paint, the renovations helped ensure a safe and engaging environment for young learners. At the same time, new furniture was purchased, designed to encourage interactive learning and hands-on activities.
Fe y Alegría has over 30 years of experience providing quality and inclusive education to marginalized communities in Paraguay and will continue to do so. However, without this funding, many children and teachers will be left without the improved learning spaces and resources they urgently need.
