El barrio
Santa Ana is a “barrio” (neighborhood) that is built on top of a landfill. Walking through the community you can’t imagine the obvious environmental problems. There is trash on the streets and a drainage system is virtually non-existent. Working in the environmental group has allowed me to realize the relationship between poverty and environmental problems.
Houses in the barrio
In the US, while we are the most wasteful country in the world, we have access to recycling plants, environmental education, and government assistance. Moreso, we are fortunate enough to have lifestyles that allow us the opportunity to make the environment a priority. In areas marked by extreme poverty and destitution, environmental awareness is not a priority. It is apparent and in many ways understandable that in Paraguay there is not a focus on the environment. There is a lack of understanding and resources necessary for environmental education. In Santa Ana that pipes and sewage enter into the streets and ultimately flow into the river. Santa Ana is not recognized by the Paraguayan governtment so in order to get rid of trash it needs to be taken down, too. This is very difficult because most people in the community don’t own cars. In Carapeguá there is also no trash or recycling system, and the town is located two hours from the nearest recycling plant. As a result, trash is usually burned or dumped into the river.
After a hard days work in the park
Despite these obstacles, the communities of both Carapeguá and Santa Ana have been enthusiastic and determined to learn and work to change the way trash disposal and recycling are viewed. In Carapeguá we worked with multiple schools to create color-coded trash cans, to raise awareness about the effects of trash burning, and to brainstorm about ways to reuse everyday materials. In Santa Ana we have worked with the kids and completed the planting of 100 trees in the community. With the help of the kids at the community center, we have also recovered and beautified a park that was once entirely covered by sewage.
While there are many obstacles that are apparent in the community, the determined and excited attitude of the community members offers hope.
Grace, a student at Wilson High School