Sara, at the age of 17, emerges as a young activist from the department of Caaguazú, Paraguay. Her prominent role spans various fields, where her determination and passion led her to explore and contribute to diverse areas such as music, education, and sustainable development.
Sara initiated her activism at an early age, becoming part of the “Girls Get Equal” Movement at the age of 11. Through this initiative, she overcame shyness and uncertainty to become a prominent leader, participating in various workshops and training sessions.
On several occasions, she assumed important roles, becoming the Minister of Education and Mayor of her city for a day, commemorating the International Day of the Girl.
Later, she ran for President of the Student Council at her school, elected by her peers to represent the voice of her class to educational authorities. “I carried the voice, ideas, and proposals of my peers, students, and young people. Proposals regarding education, youth participation, and the issues affecting our society and department,” she comments.
Inspiration through art
From an early age, Sara showed an interest in the Paraguayan harp, inspired by her older sister who played the instrument. She began her musical journey at the age of 9, and since then, the harp became a driving force in her life. Through music, she found a form of expression, relaxation, and connection with others. Her ability to convey messages through music became an essential part of her identity.
“Art, especially the harp, is a driving force in my life. I feel it helped me open up more. It’s a moment of relaxation, a moment where I can connect with myself and express myself through sounds. It helped me connect more with people; I have the ability to convey very strong messages to the audience,” she comments.
Over time, Sara not only perfected her musical skills but also became an instructor of the Paraguayan harp, delving into teaching and discovering her love for education. This step marked the beginning of her interest in teacher training and a degree in sustainable development.
Future dream
Sara’s commitment to teaching manifests exceptionally as she independently undertakes the task of personally seeking out boys and girls from her community, transporting them on her motorcycle to school, and teaching them to play the harp using her own instruments, all free of charge.
While closing a chapter as a representative of high school student councils, she embarks on a new phase as a university student, committed to continuing to contribute to her community with gestures like these.
Currently enrolled in the teacher training course, and commencing a degree in sustainable development, along with pursuing the professional Paraguayan harp and musical language, Sara expresses her aspiration: “I would like to be one of the most outstanding female teachers in Paraguay, leading projects in different communities so that more girls can discover their potential to keep growing.”
Youth Empowerment Projects
Sara was part of the “Flores de Acero” (Steel Flowers) Leadership School, a project aimed at enhancing the leadership skills of girls, adolescents, and young women living in rural areas, empowering them to bring positive changes in their own communities. Through practical, playful, and reflective exercises, the school enables girls and young women to strengthen their self-esteem, understand their rights regarding comprehensive health, self-care, gender-based violence prevention, community resources for addressing violence, participation and leadership, sisterhood, and collective action, among other topics.
The school was part of the “Girls Get Equal” movement, a global campaign where girls and young women, in all their diversity, were trained to make decisions about their own lives and to transform the world around them.
“I would like to be one of the most outstanding female teachers in Paraguay.”
Sara
The ‘Beyond the Classroom’ Project, developed from 2004 to 2013, fostered the artistic potential and participation of girls, boys, and young people through sports, music, and art education. It sought to strengthen self-esteem, develop life skills, and uphold the values of Paraguayan culture in young individuals, turning them into more committed citizens to society through art and sports. It was in this project that Sara learned to play the harp and discovered her love for the art.
Listen to her testimony:
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