As winter grips the Southern Hemisphere, families in the outskirts of Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, find comfort and hope through a recent distribution event at the Tzu Chi Elementary School “Marcelino Romero” of the Karanda’y indigenous community. The initiative brought much-needed supplies to local households and addressed the specific needs of over 200 primary school students, ensuring they could face the cold season with warmth and joy.  

A Community Uplifted

The journey to the Karanda’y indigenous community takes one far from the bustling city center, into a world where daily life is marked by simplicity and resilience. On the day of the event, volunteers arrived early at the school—built with support from Tzu Chi—to prepare for the winter distribution. Working together, they quickly unloaded and organized supplies, transforming the school grounds into a hub of activity and anticipation.

Forty-four families and forty-seven children gathered at the school, many mothers holding their young ones close. Their faces reflected both the challenges they face and the hope that comes with community support. The distribution included staple foods, medicines, and seeds for planting, as well as toys and new clothes for the children—items that many families could not otherwise afford. 

For the children, the highlight was receiving new clothes and toys. As they tried on their jackets and hugged their new toys, their smiles lit up the room, bringing a sense of sunshine to the cold winter day. The simple joy of these moments was felt throughout the community, offering a reprieve from the hardships of daily life.

Elsewhere in Ciudad del Este, another indigenous community also benefited from a similar distribution. More than 200 students, many of whom had previously attended a school built with Tzu Chi’s support, once again experienced the care and attention of volunteers. The continuity of this support has become a source of reassurance for families, especially during the harsh winter months.

Long-Term Commitment

Volunteer ndyTsai (蔡鎮光) reflected on the ongoing relationship with the community, sharing, “We have been working here for twenty years. Every time we come to distribute supplies, I feel that if we have the ability, we should help those in need. It’s important for people to know what Tzu Chi is doing here.”

In the biting cold, the presence of volunteers and the arrival of supplies brought more than just physical warmth. For parents and children alike, the event was a reminder that they are not alone. The support they received nourished not only their bodies but also their spirits, helping them face the winter with renewed hope and resilience.

Written by Hong-Ming Chen (陳宏銘), Yi-Ting Wang (王藝婷)

Source: 巴拉圭冬令發放送暖 部落學子展露笑顏如春