DistantNews
Support us
Paraguay's República Oriental del Uruguay School marks 132 years, credits teacher dedication and parent partnerships
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Culture & Society

Paraguay's República Oriental del Uruguay School marks 132 years, credits teacher dedication and parent partnerships

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Outcome reported
  • The República Oriental del Uruguay School in Paraguay celebrated its 132nd anniversary.
  • The school emphasizes the importance of teacher vocation and strategic alliances with parents to address modern challenges.
  • Demand for enrollment exceeds the school's capacity, indicating its success and popularity.

The República Oriental del Uruguay School, one of Paraguay's oldest educational institutions, marked its 132nd anniversary with a celebration attended by generations of families. Located in the historic Trinidad neighborhood, the school currently serves 586 students from early childhood to ninth grade, with an extended day program. It also offers secondary education at night and adult literacy programs on Saturdays.

We seek to have a single voice with families; if we are not united, the formative process falls apart.

— Celsa Ayala de VelázquezThe director of the school emphasized the importance of a unified approach between educators and parents.

Director Celsa Ayala de Velázquez, who has led the institution for 14 years, highlighted the crucial role of teacher dedication and strong partnerships with parents. "We seek to have a single voice with families; if we are not united, the formative process falls apart," she stated. Velázquez acknowledged the significant behavioral and upbringing challenges today's youth present, noting that "many teachers sometimes want to quit because of how our young people are." She stressed the need to maintain pedagogical authority through constant dialogue with parents.

Many teachers sometimes want to quit because of how our young people are. If you call their attention, it's already a whole issue.

— Celsa Ayala de VelázquezThe director described the challenges faced by teachers in dealing with contemporary student behavior.

The school's success is further evidenced by enrollment demand that consistently surpasses its physical capacity. "Sometimes we have to say no to people because the classrooms are already full," Velázquez revealed. The celebration included Candombe dances performed by Uruguayan residents in Paraguay, adding a cultural flair to the event. Many alumni and their families attended, underscoring the school's enduring legacy and community connection. Johana Rojas, an alumna, shared her positive experience, sending her four children to the same school, one of whom is now a lawyer.

Sometimes we have to say no to people because the classrooms are already full.

— Celsa Ayala de VelázquezThe director indicated that the school's popularity leads to enrollment exceeding its capacity.

This enduring institution, supported by its dedicated staff and engaged community, continues to be a cornerstone of education in its neighborhood, demonstrating a sustained commitment to student development across multiple generations.

I like the school's program, that's why all my children also study here. The teachers are very good with us and the teaching seems excellent to me. I am from the neighborhood and I grew up here.

— Johana RojasAn alumna explained why she chose the school for her children.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog