Paraguay expands early childhood care centers nationwide

The Paraguayan government, through the Ministry of Children and Adolescents (MINNA), is expanding its 'Semillas del Futuro' program by constructing 100 Integral Early Childhood Care Centers (CAIPI) across Asunción and all 17 departments. The initiative focuses on children aged three months to four years, with a specific emphasis on the first 1,000 days of life.

In the Itapúa department, construction is set to begin in several districts, including Tomás Romero Pereira, Alto Verá, San Pedro del Paraná, and Coronel Bogado. Minister Walter Gutiérrez announced that contracts have been signed, with works in Tomás Romero Pereira expected to start imminently and San Pedro del Paraná scheduled for early November.

Each center is estimated to require an investment of approximately 5,000 million Guaraníes, with an additional annual operating cost of 1,000 million Guaraníes to cover salaries for 14 professionals, food, and maintenance. The projects are expected to employ roughly 500 people and stimulate local economies through the procurement of materials and services from regional suppliers.