Breaking the statistics in Paraguay

In 2009 I started at the Escuela Básica N°1889 San Miguel to attend secondary school and to be able to complete my high school studies. At that time, the school building, which was more than 50 years old, was very deteriorated, with serious infrastructure problems; to the point that on rainy days we had to look for any other corner where it didn't drip to continue studying. Until 2011, when the Prosegur Foundation arrived to improve the educational and recreational conditions, with the construction of new classrooms in order to ensure the safety of the students; renewing the furniture; giving us the opportunity to access a library for the ‘first time’ and to interact with technology.

In 2014, I completed my high school studies and in recognition of my dedication, effort and good performance, the directors of my school encouraged me to apply for the Prosegur Foundation's Talent Scholarships to begin my studies in Commercial Engineering at the National University of Concepción. After the selection process, they confirmed that I was the first graduate of the institution! -This gave me the opportunity to focus 100% on my studies without worrying about the financial aspects and with an even greater motivation to excel: the fact of feeling supported makes you even more committed to the goals you want to achieve.

The course lasted 5 years, which was a long way to go. Classes were at night, and as I didn't live near the bus stop, my mum or dad would wait for me every day to pick me up. It didn't matter if it was hot, cold or raining. They were always waiting for me, and for that I am very grateful for every sacrifice they have made for me. Every achievement will also be theirs. During my time at university there were challenges and obstacles that I had to face. Coming from a school in a rural area, where the most used language is Guarani, it was difficult for me to interact with my classmates and make presentations in Spanish. Expressing myself and speaking fluently in Spanish was a challenge, but over time I lost my fears and became more confident.

I also think it is important to emphasise that in order to graduate from my degree, it was necessary to do an internship in a company. And this opportunity arose once again thanks to Prosegur, and specifically thanks to Oscar Carmona, the company's delegate in Concepción, who arranged for me to do a one-month internship in a well-known commercial company in the city.

At the end of 2020, I fulfilled my dream of obtaining my university degree. And after these long years, the most awaited day arrived: my graduation!

Today I look back and see how far I have come. It fills me with satisfaction, because the sacrifice and effort has paid off.

The FOUNDATION has definitely marked my life in a significant way, demonstrating its commitment to education as the only way to improve the future of young people.

For this reason, I would like to encourage more students to set themselves the goal of finishing high school and pursuing a university degree, to be better every day, because with effort and dedication everything can be achieved. Don't forget that with talent and the will to excel you will always find an opportunity.