The Belén Self-Sustainable Agricultural School, located in the department of Concepción and operated by Fundación Paraguaya, held the graduation ceremony for a new class of students who successfully completed their comprehensive training under the educational model “learning by doing, selling, and earning money,” internationally recognized as one of the best in the world.
During the ceremony, the newly appointed Director of the Belén Agricultural School, Celsa Acosta, shared her excitement over the achievement:
“A new graduating class of the Agricultural School fills me with emotion. For 15 years now, we have been delivering to society young entrepreneurs who are transforming the lives of their families and communities, making their dreams of moving forward a reality,” she said.
She also highlighted the commitment of the educational team and offered special thanks to the Academic Director, Ms. Midelaide Fernández, for her constant dedication and support.
In a motivational message to the graduates, Acosta stated:
“These years at the Agricultural School are the equivalent of the greatest university and postgraduate education that Harvard could offer you. You are prepared and ready for life and for the job market.”
Productive Ventures with Local Impact
As a graduation requirement, students presented productive business plans aimed at rural development and sustainable income generation within their communities. To support these initiatives, each graduate received a seed capital loan of ₲ 3,000,000:
- Patricia Jazmín Escobar Quiñónez (Ycuá Hovy): Production and marketing of cloned eucalyptus seedlings.
- Luz Antonella Fernández Cuevas (Concepción): Production and marketing of quail eggs.
- Jonatan Gabriel Ferreira González (Azotey): Cassava production and sales.
- Ronaldo Rodrigo Medina Agüero (Capitán Sosa): Production and marketing of laying-hen eggs.
- Daniela Luján Salinas López (Tacuati): Pig fattening.
- Rodolfo Torres Peralta (Concepción): Broiler chicken production.
These projects reflect the School’s hands-on approach, which promotes entrepreneurship as a key tool for poverty elimination, one of Fundación Paraguaya’s core objectives.
Dreams Looking Toward the Future
Graduates also shared their academic and professional aspirations, including degrees in Forestry Engineering, Agroforestry Engineering, Agronomy, Medicine, and even Nuclear Engineering—demonstrating how education at Belén opens doors and broadens horizons.
About the New Director
Celsa Acosta has extensive experience in education and social development, with a strong background in educational management and training programs focused on entrepreneurship and poverty alleviation.
With this new graduating class, the Belén Self-Sustaining Agricultural School reaffirms its commitment to training young rural leaders capable of generating income, transforming realities, and building a dignified future for their communities.
