The Emboscada Antigua (Old Emboscada) Regional Penitentiary continues to take concrete steps towards a more comprehensive and human-centred prison system. Located in the city of Emboscada, 39 kilometres from Asunción, the facility has recently implemented initiatives to reintegrate inmates. These initiatives combine sport, higher education and infrastructure improvements as part of a broader reintegration strategy.
Promoted understanding of prisons not only as spaces of custody, but as environments where opportunities for personal development can emerge. Driven by the Ministry of Justice and coordinated with judicial and institutional authorities, these measures place social reintegration at the centre of penitentiary policy, gradually reshaping daily life behind bars.
Emboscada, where sport becomes a space for reintegration
The Old Emboscada Penitentiary recently hosted the final of its Internal Futsal Tournament. This initiative achieved broad participation among the prison population. Furthermore, the competition highlighted the role of sport as a space for encounter, coexistence and emotional expression. This fosters values such as respect, teamwork and discipline.
The Catholic Pavilion Our Lady Virgin of Guadalupe were the winners of the tournament. By defeating the Leather Sector Pavilion team in a contested final that ended in a draw and was decided by penalties. The match unfolded in an atmosphere of sportsmanship and mutual respect. This reinforces the social and symbolic value of the initiative beyond the final result.
The tournament was sponsored by the Ministry of Justice and organised by the Emboscada Penitentiary Directorate. Also, in coordination with the Security Department and the Social Reintegration Department. Authorities emphasised sport as a tool that allows inmates to share positive experiences, strengthen social bonds and channel emotions in a healthy and constructive manner.
University education behind bars in Emboscada
In parallel, a significant milestone was reached in terms of access to higher education. For the first time, 25 incarcerated individuals at the Emboscada Penitentiary have begun university studies. This, through the Polytechnic and Artistic University of Paraguay (UPAP), within the framework of an agreement signed with the Ministry of Justice
Classes follow a hybrid format. From Monday to Friday in the mornings, students attend virtual lessons alongside peers studying on campus. On Saturday afternoons, classes take place in person within the prison facilities. During the initial stage, students complete general courses before progressing into their chosen degree programmes.
The range of academic paths reflects diverse professional aspirations. While many inmates have enrolled in Accounting and International Trade, others are pursuing degrees in Law, Industrial Engineering, Psychology, Physical Education, Sports Science and Business Administration.
Health and technology upgrades
As part of a nationwide prison modernisation plan, the Ministry of Justice has also advanced infrastructure improvements at Old Emboscada. Recently, a new Comprehensive Health Unit was inaugurated. Also, a Monitoring and Video Surveillance Room was installed in a recovered sector of the penitentiary.
These additions aim to strengthen healthcare provision, security and overall detention conditions. Therefore, the health unit offers integrated medical care in a dignified and functional environment. Meanwhile, the monitoring room incorporates 24-hour video surveillance technology, enhancing institutional control and prevention capacities.
Towards a more comprehensive prison model
The initiatives underway at Old Emboscada reflect a penitentiary model that seeks to balance security with education, health and social development. By investing in sport, academic training and infrastructure, the facility advances towards a framework that recognises reintegration as a central objective of incarceration.
In doing so, Old Emboscada reinforces the idea that meaningful opportunities for change and personal growth can begin even within prison walls.
Read more about programmes to reintegrate inmates into Paraguayan society, and how rescuers and Coffee Cat Café saved 41 abandoned Paraguayan prison cats.
