Transforming Lives in Villeta, Paraguay – Chalice

In Villeta, Paraguay, 1,907 people have been supported through training programs helping families move from poverty to independence.

DONATE

Villeta, an industrial centre and port city in Paraguay, is home to families full of potential—but also long-standing barriers to opportunity. Through the “Endeavouring Together” program, communities are building pathways from vulnerability toward dignity, skills, and lasting independence.

About Villeta

Villeta is a growing industrial and port hub, yet many families still face:

Limited access to stable employment
Interrupted education
Household poverty and food insecurity
Barriers for women, youth, and differently abled individuals

For generations, opportunity has felt out of reach for many families—but this is beginning to change.

The Challenge

Families in Villeta often live with fragile economic stability. A single setback can deepen cycles of vulnerability, particularly for:

Women seeking income and independence
Young people facing limited safe opportunities
Differently abled youth encountering barriers to education and work

Without support, these challenges can repeat across generations.

A Program Built for Change

The “Endeavouring Together” program (locally known as Yepytaso Oñondivepa) is creating structured pathways toward resilience through:

Vocational training
Entrepreneurship development
Youth engagement programs
Food security initiatives

Impact at a Glance

Over the past 8 years, your partnership has helped achieve:

1,907 total beneficiaries supported
1,235 women engaged in training programs
72 children supported through programming
175 families trained across multiple initiatives
Participants may access up to 2 vocational courses each

Looking Ahead (per year projection)

Approximately 290 beneficiaries annually over the next 3 years

Skills that Create Independence

Participants are gaining practical, income generating skills through vocational training including:

Sewing and dressmaking
Gastronomy
Beauty services
Electrical and plumbing skills
Office administration
Entrepreneurship

These courses do more than teach skills—they restore confidence, independence, and opportunity. These programs help youth develop discipline, teamwork, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Creative spaces provide positive alternatives to risk and isolation and allow expression of emotion and creativity.

This is not just learning a trade. It is building a future.

Past Success
Nadia’s Determination

Nadia, 17, is a student in the Sewing and Dressmaking program. Orphaned at a young age and living with her grandmother, Nadia is determined to build a future through sewing—a skill rooted in her family tradition.

Despite balancing school in the mornings and training in the afternoons, she perseveres with remarkable commitment, often continuing even when tired or hungry.

“My grandmother is my source of inspiration… For me, this is like a family tradition. I want to uphold the beautiful art of sewing.”

For Nadia, sewing is not just a course—it is a pathway to independence and dignity.

Fernando’s Strength

Fernando, 17, is a participant in the Professional Barbering course.

Born with physical disabilities, including the absence of his right hand, mobility challenges, and speech difficulties, Fernando has never allowed limitations to define his future. Through a three-month vocational program, he gained practical barbering skills and quickly began practicing haircuts in real settings.

Today, Fernando is already offering services in his community and continues to pursue greater independence.

“Nothing is impossible, and don’t listen to the ridicule of others—believe in yourself.”

Fernando is becoming a role model for other young people in Villeta.

Building Food Security and Stability

Families are also being supported to establish home gardens, helping to:

Improve household nutrition
Reduce reliance on unstable food sources
Build long-term sustainability

Endeavouring Together Program

While progress is clear, this transformation is still fragile. Training programs, mentorship, materials, and youth initiatives all require continued investment to remain active and effective. Without it, many opportunities risk being lost before they are fully realized.

With continued support for the next 3 years, the program can:

Expand access to vocational training
Strengthen youth engagement programs
Support more families toward income stability
Deepen long-term community resilience

We are seeking support to extend the “Endeavouring Together” program for an additional 3 years, ensuring that this momentum continues and grows. Your partnership will help families move: From vulnerability → to stability → to independence

Program Location: CMAVIL site, Paraguay

Program Code: HDP-PCV0126

Budget in Canadian Funds: $100,484.05