PARAGUAY, org. The presidency of the Paraguayan House of Representatives has recognized the Dequení Foundation for their contribution to society as “an institution that promotes social development and protection for an at risk population, through projects that are focused on childhood.” This event was on Thursday, October 27th at 7:00 p.m. in the National Congressional Chamber, with the presence of national authorities, accredited diplomats in Paraguay, and guests.
Organizers of the event expressed it by saying, “this occasion was propitious to appreciate and to stress the contribution of outstanding Paraguayan citizens and institutions that collaborate by strengthening democracy.”
Scholarships 2012
The leaders of Dequení invited everyone to continue to sponsor a child with a contribution of just Gs. 330.000 annually, which will provide a scholarship of solidarity, including a backpack with the necessary supplies: a complete uniform, including shoes, and mentoring until the end of the school year. This year Dequení wants to help three thousand children to attend school instead of working in the street…
The annual “Scholarship Campaign” is an initiative of Dequení that wants all Paraguayan citizens, as well as benefactors from other countries to join the effort, so that more children who are at high risk of dropping out of school will register and stay in the formal educational system.
The scholarship is the key for the child to begin classes, because it helps to overcome the economic limitations of their families, and it motivates them to develop all their abilities in school.
The first Dequení Scholarship Campaign was held in the year 2003; since then, shoenstatt.org joined this initiative, awakening the solidarity of many people, whether they are members of the Schoenstatt Movement or not. Since then, the goal has grown gradually since many people and organizations make this annual contribution as a gesture of solidarity with these children.
This new campaign will extend until February 2012, and its goal is to obtain three thousand sponsors for Dequení.
As mentioned above, the scholarship consists of providing the necessary supplies that are needed at every grade level. Moreover, the Foundation demands that the parents register their children in school as a condition to receive these scholarships. The children also receive tutoring during the school year at the open community centers of the foundation. At mid-year the scholarship provides supplemental supplies.
What is Dequení?
The Dequení Foundation, of Paraguay, is an organization dedicated to the sustained support of children and adolescents in at risk situations. It offers help to more than four thousand children from needy families. On May 4, 1985, a group of boys of the Schoenstatt Apostolic Movement in Paraguay took the initiative to help children who worked in the Fernando de la Mora area of the city, which is known as Calle Ultima. They organized catechism workshops and snacks on Saturday afternoons at the Chapel of Miraculous Medal. The first invitation reached thirty-three young candy and newspapers vendors. The spirit of solidarity of the young men, moved by the love of Mary, began a work of service to the neediest one in a very simple way. The founders chose the name DeQueNí taken from the first syllables (in Spanish) of the biblical passage of the Apostle Mark, “Let the children come to me”. (Mark 10: 14).
How can you help? http://www.dequeni.org.py/new/es/becas
Celina M. Garza: Spanish/English translation – Melissa Peña-Janknegt: English edit
