The new Mitã Róga Childcare Space (Espacio de Cuidado Mitã Róga) in San Lorenzo, just 13 kilometres from Asunción, was inaugurated on 21 January 2026. Located within the Municipal Market, the facility is equipped to provide comprehensive care for more than 150 children. The centre forms part of the Hug Programme (Programa Abrazo) and was inaugurated by Paraguayan President Santiago Peña.
“For us, this space is extremely important. We can now work knowing our children are in safe hands. We know they will be well cared for and protected. This is priceless,” said Silvia Paredes, a mother of two. Paredes, who works as a vendor in the San Lorenzo market, described the Mitã Róga Care Space as “the quality space children deserve”.
Further development at the childcare space
President Peña further announced that an even larger project is underway. San Lorenzo is expected to receive a significantly bigger care space as part of the Seeds of the Future (Semillas del Futuro) initiative. The project will be financed through resources obtained under the new ITAIPU agreement.
Minister of Childhood and Adolescence Walter Gutiérrez emphasised that the newly inaugurated facility goes beyond the concept of a traditional daycare or dining space. “These are spaces for comprehensive care. They support the development of children and their working families.”
Activities, care, and protection services
The San Lorenzo Mitã Róga Care Space offers stimulating activities, care, and protection services. Also, the venue has nursing rooms, proper nutrition, and family-oriented spaces. The space serves children from four months to 13 years of age. The childcare will also house the offices of the Municipal Council for the Rights of Children and Adolescents (Consejería Municipal por los Derechos del Niño, Niña y Adolescente – CODENI).
“I know that hundreds of centres are being launched nationwide, but today we can say that a promise has been fulfilled in San Lorenzo. Right in the heart of the Municipal Market, vendors can now leave their children safely in this facility,” San Lorenzo Mayor Felipe Salomón noted.
The mayor added that the facility currently serves more than 150 children, with plans to expand the building by at least two additional storeys. The expansion will also aim to provide training courses for parents.
A joint effort
The centre was built through a joint effort between the Government of Paraguay and the Municipality of San Lorenzo. President Peña highlighted that this cooperation enables better outcomes for local residents.
The Ministry of Childhood and Adolescence (Ministerio de la Niñez y la Adolescencia or MINNA) contributed Gs. 1.5 billion (approximately US$224,000) tothe project, while the Municipality of San Lorenzo invested Gs. 1.8 billion (approximately US$269,000) in infrastructure and equipment.
The Paraguayan Government has also announced a planned investment of around Gs. 1 billion (approximately US$149,450) to cover the centre’s maintenance.
