Sebastiana is a clear example of how education can transform lives. Since childhood, she has faced multiple challenges. She overcame obstacles and became a teacher in her community. Her story is a testament to hope, effort, and empowerment, inspiring new generations to believe in themselves and strive for a better future.
“My name is Sebastiana, and I am from the department of Guairá,” she begins, with a smile that reflects both pride and nostalgia. In a small community surrounded by lush nature but marked by a lack of resources and opportunities, where even basic needs are a constant challenge, Sebastiana’s dreams were born.
“I went to school from first to sixth grade. Che kuri aike mbymbyry la escuelape, a dos hora, aha pynandípe, sin abrigo, ýre, con calor” <“I attended a school that was very far away, two hours away, I walked barefoot, without a coat, in the rain, in the heat”>, she recalls.
It was during this stage of her life that she encountered Plan International, which deeply shaped her path. “Che areko akue che Patrocinador, ha´e che asocia akue, ha areko heta charla, añe comunica che Padrínondi a través de carta, ha´e oruka che mochila abrigo, zapato.” <“When I joined, I had my sponsor, we communicated a lot through letters and photos. They sent me a backpack, coats, and shoes.”> These small yet significant contributions made her journey a little easier.
The sponsorship program is a development initiative that, through regular contributions, creates a bond between sponsors and children. This connection allows us to be present in vulnerable communities and help improve living conditions.
EDUCATION AND HOPE
Although she had to continue her studies at another school, where she completed sixth grade, it allowed her to pursue a professional career. She never forgot the impact that Plan had on her life. Years later, at the age of 28, her story took an unexpected turn. “I am a teacher at the school in my community. I teach multi-grade classes, from preschool to sixth grade.” “When Plan came to our school, I welcomed them with open arms because I know how much they encourage girls and women to believe in themselves and overcome the discrimination we face.”
“La Plan atopa pora ko la ojapo ha´e, odesarrollá a la mujer ajepa, ikatu hagua oñeanima la kuña de que sí, ikatuha avei la kuña ojapo heta mba’e. La igualdad ajepa, upea la mas importante.” <“Plan does a great job. They empower women, helping them believe that yes, they can achieve many things. Equality is the most important thing.”>.
“Oikuaaka ñande pe derecho, ñande mbae´pa ñande oreko ha mbae´pa ñande la vale, upea la iporavea.” <“Plan helps us understand our rights, what we have, and what we are worth, and that is truly valuable.”> she affirms with determination.
She shares her motto: “Nde reikuaaro nde valeha reñeanima heta mba’era,” which in Spanish means, <“If you know your worth, you dare to do many things.”>
Sebastiana
Sebastiana is not only dedicated to teaching; she also actively participates in activities promoted by Plan. “I love soccer, thanks to Plan showing us that women can play too. With our team, we have already won two matches. I also love singing, dancing, and taking part in discussions. These activities fill me with joy.”
“One of the things we achieved was access to clean drinking water. That changed our lives; now we have a vegetable garden, and the children no longer have to search for and carry water from other places,” she proudly shares.
Sebastiana’s story is a testament to how solidarity, education, and empowerment can transform lives and entire communities. With every child she inspires and every dream she nurtures, she reaffirms that change begins with the courage to believe in oneself.
Despite her strength, she does not hide the pain she feels when she sees some of her students drop out of school. But her hope remains unshaken. With bright eyes, she confesses:
“I have a dream: I want the children to become professionals because that is what our community needs—better living conditions for them and their families.”
Context in Paraguay:
Information from the Ministry of Education and Sciences (MEC) in 2022 indicates that 457,000 children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 17 do not attend school in the country. This represents 25% of the population in that age group, meaning that 1 in 4 children is not receiving an education.
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