“Children teaching children”: the project that won over the Desafío por la Educación Paraguay programme
The first edition of this initiative culminated in a closing ceremony where the finalist projects of this social innovation programme were presented.
The beginning of a challenge with purpose
Our goal is to offer new working tools to organisations so that they can strengthen their projects and generate a significant positive impact.
Isabel Sampedro, Director of the Prosegur Foundation
Programme phases: training, collaboration and action
For 10 months, participating entities underwent a hybrid training process (in-person and online) that included mentoring, workshops, and seminars on methodologies such as Lean Startup and Design Thinking.
This roadmap enabled organisations to design innovative and sustainable solutions, with the support of experts and access to a platform of training resources.
We know that collaborating with other organisations allows us to maximise the impact of everything we do.
Cristina Pérez de Lema, coordinator of the Botín Foundation's Talento Solidario programme
A network of impact: the protagonists of change
Among the participating organisations were Fe y Alegría, Fundación Dequení, Good Neighbors Paraguay, Superniños, Transformación Paraguay, among others. All of them shared a common goal: to improve the quality of education in vulnerable communities.
‘The Challenge has succeeded in fostering innovation in organisations working for education and, in addition, creating a network for them to continue collaborating and strengthening the social fabric of the country,’ said Cristina Pérez de Lema.
The grand finale: creativity, hope and transformation
In March 2025, the programme culminated in a closing event at the Banco GNB Auditorium, where the finalist projects were presented. The event was attended by representatives from the education, business and social sectors, as well as the Spanish ambassador to Paraguay, Javier Parrondo.
The winning project was ‘Niños Profes,’ promoted by the Superniños Association. This innovative proposal empowers children between the ages of 8 and 12 to teach their younger peers key skills such as reading and writing, while strengthening their self-esteem and leadership skills.
We use a fun and approachable methodology that allows them to teach while learning and developing as leaders.
Dalma Sanabria, Executive Director of Superniños
Finalist projects: diverse approaches, same goal
In addition to Niños Profes, the jury recognised four other initiatives as finalists:
- Good Neighbors, by the Good Neighbors Paraguay Association.
- Pyahu Process, by the Dequení Foundation.
- Haihue, by the Ñanderogami Nursery Foundation, Hippy Paraguay, and Transformación Paraguay.
- Prendé, by Fe y Alegría and El Lienzo.
Each of these proposals addressed inclusive education from different perspectives, demonstrating the transformative potential of social innovation.
A legacy that continues
The Desafío por la Educación programme not only rewarded one project, but also sowed the seeds for a network of collaboration, learning and commitment that will continue to grow.
With the support of seed capital and specialised advice, Niños Profes will begin its implementation, while the other organisations continue to strengthen their initiatives.
It has been an enriching experience that has demonstrated the potential of educational innovation to transform realities. But above all, it has highlighted the importance of collaboration and networking between social entities to promote more sustainable projects with a greater impact on the country.
Isabel Sampedro, Director of the Prosegur Foundation
