In the heart of Paraguay’s vast and challenging Chaco region, a school named Pa’i Puku has, for over 60 years, been a symbol of hope and transformation. Founded by a visionary Belgian priest affectionately known as Pa’i Puku, which means “Tall Priest” in Guaraní, this school offers more than just education; it is a place where young people gain the tools, skills, and confidence to build brighter futures in their communities. Pa’i Puku School stands out not only for its educational approach but also for the resilience, sense of purpose, and deep-rooted pride it instills in each student.
A Vision Rooted in the Heart of the Chaco
The story of Pa’i Puku School begins with Father Pedro Shaw, a Belgian missionary of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Inspired by the needs of families across the isolated, rural Chaco, he set out to build a school that would be a true extension of the community. With land donated by a local family and a commitment to using native materials, he created a space where children could feel at home while learning the skills they would need to transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
Today, the “Pa’i Puku Centre for Comprehensive Training María Medianera”, in English, serves students from across the Chaco and beyond. Many travel hundreds of kilometres to live and study on campus, far from their families, to access an education that blends academics with hands-on learning.
More Than Academics: A Path to Self-Reliance
In addition to the national curriculum, Pa’i Puku teaches practical skills like carpentry, cooking, animal husbandry, and sewing. Students learn how to manage small businesses and acquire trades that enable them to support themselves and their families. One graduate, for example, returned to his village to set up a successful carpentry workshop, while another has gone on to study electrical engineering — each carrying forward the spirit of Pa’i Puku’s mission.
“We want our students to be not just job-seekers but job creators,” says one of the school’s leaders. In the challenging economic environment of the Chaco, these skills are invaluable, enabling students to thrive independently and contribute to their communities.
A Diverse and Determined Student Community
Pa’i Puku serves a diverse group of students, from young children to teenagers, who come from remote areas without schools or adequate resources. The school provides a safe, supportive environment where students live for most of the year, returning home only for winter and summer holidays. The school becomes a second home, and the sense of community runs deep. Students form close bonds, share responsibilities, and support each other, creating a resilient and tightly-knit community that feels more like family.
Bridging Borders Through International Volunteers
Pa’i Puku is supported by international volunteers who bring new perspectives, energy, and skills to the school. These volunteers, arriving through partnerships like Fe y Alegría Paraguay, provide valuable assistance and broaden students’ horizons. For the students, meeting people from other countries is a window to the world beyond the Chaco, sparking curiosity and ambition.
“For both our volunteers and students, the experience is deeply rewarding,” a school representative explains. “The volunteers help expand students’ understanding of the world, and they, in turn, leave with a lasting connection to the Chaco.”
The school seeks passionate, open-minded, and eager volunteers to contribute to the school’s empowerment mission. Interested individuals can apply to volunteer by contacting paipukucefimm@yahoo.com.ar, and follow Pa’i Puku school on Instagram.
Powered by Community Support and Self-Sufficiency
Funding for Pa’i Puku is sourced creatively, with support from various donors, small grants, and community contributions. Families contribute modest annual fees, and the government funds core teaching positions, while the remaining operational costs rely on individual and organizational donations. Some students receive scholarships and sponsorships from donors who cover their educational and living expenses. Older students are taught to manage their small-scale businesses, helping them develop skills while generating funds that support the school’s goals of self-reliance.
Through the commitment of local and global supporters, Pa’i Puku has become a testament to what is possible when communities come together to create lasting change.
Carrying Pa’i Puku School’s Legacy into the Future
For Pa’i Puku, each student’s success is a testament to Father Shaw’s enduring vision. The school’s commitment to its founder’s ideals — serving Chaco’s underserved communities through practical and holistic education — has kept the institution thriving for decades. “As a wise person once said, ‘Those who do not value the small things do not deserve the big ones,’” a school representative reflects. This sentiment is a guiding principle for the staff and students at Pa’i Puku. Every effort, however small, contributes to the dream of creating a future where each child can thrive, no matter where they come from.
As the school joins our “World Sandwich Day” celebration this weekend, an organisation that inspires and brings hope to its community, supporters worldwide are invited to join the Pa’i Puku story. Through donations, volunteer work, or simply by sharing the story, anyone can help continue the mission of empowering youth in Paraguay’s Chaco.
For those looking to be part of this inspiring journey, supporting Pa’i Puku School is an opportunity to invest in the next generation of community leaders, professionals, and dreamers — young people whose roots in the Chaco will shape its future.
Get involved and join the legacy of Pa’i Puku. Every small step brings us closer to a brighter future!
