Paraguay school community demands safe access amid ongoing danger

The Rosa Catalina Ventre School in Ypacaraí, Paraguay, is a scene of constant anxiety for its 450 students and their families. Educational staff and parents decry the state's neglect, highlighting the perilous access to the school following modifications to Route PY02. The roadwork eliminated sidewalks and created a dangerous crossing, forcing students to navigate heavy traffic daily.

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It is truly a worry here in the area, as we have children who come from various communities and the truth is that accessing this place is a real danger.

School director Eva Castro voiced her deep concern over the students' vulnerability. "It is truly a worry here in the area, as we have children who come from various communities and the truth is that accessing this place is a real danger," she stated. Many families are forced to walk or ride motorcycles along the road's shoulder, directly exposed to fast-moving vehicles.

The situation has been exacerbated by a dismissive response from the Ministry of Education and Sciences (MEC). When school officials sought help from the Ministry of Public Works (MOPC), the MEC reportedly suggested that families enroll their children in schools within their own communities. This response has been seen as an abdication of responsibility to ensure the safety of students at the existing institution.

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Our desire, which we ask the MOPC authorities for, is that they can find a solution so that the children can have safe access.

Adding to the community's fears, Professor Fernando Duré warned that any improvised traffic solutions, such as removing a nearby traffic light, would worsen the chaos and make it even harder for students to reach school safely. The community lives under a constant shadow of fear, awaiting concrete action to secure a safe environment for their children.

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It will generate chaos and it will be much more complicated for the children to get to school.