Information Centers in Paraguay
ABC Color
Paraguay's major media outlet is located in Asuncion, Paraguay. ABC Color is the name of this organization of dedicated reporters, technicians and broadcasters. They provide television, radio, digital and newspaper formats and are dedicated to bringing information to the people of Paraguay and strengthening their growing democracy. In addition to reporting the news, they sponsor democratic opportunities. These include polls, opinion websites, and other forums for free speech and democratic interaction. They keep an eye on politicians and their activities and encourage citizens to get involved. As the only major newspaper and TV news in the country, they play an important role in democratic development. For more information go to ABC Color (Spanish). For the opinion website go to Opinion (Spanish).
Centro Cultural Melodia Villa Hayes
This wonderful cultural center offers free access to on-site library resources, free mobile library services for teachers, music lessons, cultural events, computer classes, and summer camps to its community. They are funded privately and by US foundations. All of their library books and musical instruments are donated. They have a performance hall housed in an historical building just outside the city and maintain a standing youth orchestra. Find out more about this community center at Centro Cultural Melodia Villa Hayes.
Biblioteca Melodia Villa Hayes
Melodia Villa Hayes library serves 13 surrounding schools, serving over 7,000 students. The library provides after school study programs, storytelling workshops, reference materials such as encyclopedias and dictionaries, magazines, and other leisure reading. As mentioned, all materials are donated. This important resource fills many needs of educators and students alike. If you would like to learn more or donate to their cause, please visit How Can I Help?.
CIRD
Established in 1988, CIRD (Centro de Informacion y Recursos para El Desarrollo) (Spanish) helps build and strengthen organizations whose main purpose is to promote and develop social responsibility and transparency of information in a democratic society. They offer funding for projects which build democracy, disseminate social and political information, and sustain peace. For example, their website offers open information on civil society, especially regarding government officials and projects, and political activities and opinions. Visit Aquienes Elegimos Paraguay (Spanish) for more information.
Comite Paraguay Kansas
Through the Partners of the Americas organization Comite Paraguay Kansas (Spanish) oversees several programs. Their purpose is to strengthen relationships, communication, social interaction and economic pursuits between Paraguay and Kansas. One example is Programa Vinculo Universitario, which has allowed Paraguayan students to attend Universities in Kansas with in-state tuition. Over 700 Paraguayans have graduated from Kansas Universities through this program.
Another program (in the works) involves Kansas Library and Archives students coming to Paraguay to help catalog the "Archives of Terror" which documents the tyranny of the dictatorship of Stroessner. One benefit of this project would allow library students from both Paraguay and Kansas to work together, and could help improve the image of librarianship within Paraguay.
Another program (in the works) involves Kansas Library and Archives students coming to Paraguay to help catalog the "Archives of Terror" which documents the tyranny of the dictatorship of Stroessner. One benefit of this project would allow library students from both Paraguay and Kansas to work together, and could help improve the image of librarianship within Paraguay.
Peace Corp Paraguay
The Cuerpo de Paz (Peace Corps) maintains the largest library in Paraguay. It boasts a collection of 7,000 copies of leisure and reference materials. They have a certified librarian (Peace Corp volunteer) who has served the library for over 21 years. Their services are available to all Paraguayans and offer resources for adults and children. Visit Peace Corp Paraguay for more information.
USAID
The US Agency for International Development has been in existence for over 60 years. In Paraguay, they collaborate with the government and the people on projects to build infrastructure, improve economic conditions, strengthen public institutions, improve health care quality, give aid to the poor, and provide academic and skills training. Some of the projects in Paraguay presently include global biodiversity in the Chaco, Pantanal, and the Interior Atlantic forest. They work with local leaders to strengthen their ability and resolve to manage these environments. In addition, USAID/Paraguay has developed the "Threshold Program" which fights corruption stemming from chaos and corruption in economic sectors. Their goal is to help Paraguayans develop increased order, fairness, economic strength, democracy, and prosperity in their society. To learn more go to http://paraguay.usaid.gov/index.html