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Public Education in Paraguay

Timmy's first day of school.  Our big guy started first grade on Thursday. 

 We are doing something completely different this year.  We are homeschooling him in the morning (primarily Bible, English and Reading) and in the afternoon he attends 8 de Diciembre Elementary School.  It is three blocks from our home and it is a national school.

 
This is their formation where they salute the flag before the children head to their classrooms. There are 14 first graders, which is an unusually small class.  It is shocking how few resources government schools have.  After two days of school from 1:00-5:00 p.m. the only thing they have done is read two stories and color two pictures.  The books have not yet arrived for the teachers and won't be expected for another month.  The state of education in Paraguay leaves so much to be desired. 

Nonetheless, we feel like it is good socialization for Timmy to be in school, and he will get a better grasp of the Spanish and Guarani languages, which are both required subjects.

We also feel it is a great opportunity for us to reach out to the school.  It is in major need of painting, a fan and playground equipment.  All the young kids just sit and watch the older boys play soccer, since the school only has one soccer ball and field.  We are hoping that we can help channel support to this humble school this year, so if you'd like to help, you can click the "donate now" button and give to "Paraguay projects." And as always we invite you to join us in prayer for the director, the teachers and that Timmy is a good example to his classmates. 

Thanks so much.  We're looking forward to a great school year!

Here's a video to give you a better idea of what a typical classroom likes like (and what it lacks!).
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Comments

  1. ChristieFebruary 27, 2012 at 6:39 PM

    I think it's great that you're able to combine a national school with homeschooling. Best of both worlds!

    ReplyDelete

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