Fundación Paraguaya held its Annual General Assembly at its headquarters, marking 40 uninterrupted years of impactful work. The event served as a platform to present the organization’s 2024 achievements, including one of the year’s most significant social advances: a reduction in extreme poverty from 10% to 3%, and a decrease in income poverty from 54% to 33% among families supported by the organization’s programs.
During the assembly, Executive Director Martín Burt reflected on the organization’s beginnings:
“Forty years ago, we brought a revolutionary idea to Paraguay: that microenterprises could become vibrant economic engines if given access to credit and training”.
He also highlighted:
“We’ve supported over 453,000 microenterprises, and we currently work with 100,000 families, firmly committed to ending multidimensional poverty”.
General Manager Luis Fernando Sanabria emphasized:
“We believe every family has the power to thrive. Our role is to listen and provide the tools that allow them to shine”.
Honoring Long-Standing Team Members
In a heartfelt moment, the organization honored staff members with 30, 29, 25, and 10 years of service, recognizing their dedication to the mission. As a token of appreciation, they were awarded all-expenses-paid trips and carry-on luggage to destinations like Camboriú, Natal, and Rio de Janeiro.
Tributes in Memoriam
The Assembly also paid tribute to three members who passed away. With deep respect, the legacy of Guillermo Peroni, Javier Adorno, and Pablo Herken was remembered. Their contributions were essential to the Foundation’s growth and values, and their memory lives on in the heart of the community.
Key Achievements of Fundación Paraguaya in 2024
- 100,521 active microfinance clients; 92% are women.
- ₲512 billion disbursed in microloans.
- 44,850 non-financial services delivered.
- Extreme poverty reduced from 10% (2023) to 3% (2024); income poverty from 54% to 33%.
- Average family income rose by 28%; in rural areas, by 54%.
- 12 competitions held with 3,260+ Women’s Committees and 71,720 families participating.
Celebrating 40 Years of Fundación Paraguaya – Highlights by Martín Burt
- Consistent fulfillment of founding goals.
- 453,000 microenterprises supported since 1985.
- 100,000 active microentrepreneurial families today.
- Created the world’s first Self-Sufficient Agricultural School (2003).
- Poverty Stoplight methodology adopted by over 516,100 families in 59 countries.
- Institutional strength: 40 annual assemblies, 385 Board meetings, and 40 external audits with no findings.
- Assets: USD 33 million; Equity: USD 12.4 million.
Institutional Program Highlights
Microfinance
- Credit products for women’s groups, youth, farmers, people with disabilities, and tech access.
- 12,973 Poverty Stoplight indicators improved.
- Focus on vulnerable sectors, especially women.
- 10,100 microfranchises distributed.
- 26,600 women entrepreneurs received digital loan disbursements.
- 4,100 entrepreneurs trained in 25 forums.
Entrepreneurial Education
- Over 27,000 youth trained via Junior Achievement.
- Programs: Economics for Success, The Company, Count on Yourself.
- 109 teams participated in the World Robotics Olympiad.
- Programs like AWE and Kuña Digital empowered women.
Self-Sufficient Agricultural Schools
- 3 active schools in Paraguay: Cerrito, Belén, and Mbaracayú.
- Cerrito: ₲4.7 billion in revenues; 115% self-sufficiency.
- Belén: ₲2.497 billion in revenues.
- Cerrito Cheese Factory: ₲745 million generated.
- Training Hotels: Cerrito (₲2.1 billion revenue) and Belén (₲567 million).
Poverty Stoplight
- Adopted by 516,100+ families in 59 countries.
- Translated into 25 languages.
- Recipient of 40 international awards.
- Used by communities, businesses, and governments alike.