Creating Safe Havens: “Ñande ReKoha” Day Care Center in Paraguay’s Mercado Central de Abasto

In the bustling heart of Asunción, Paraguay, nestled within the vibrant district of San Pablo, lies a haven for children: the “Ñande ReKoha” day care center, aptly named after the Guaraní phrase meaning “Our Space.” Operating for nearly 15 years and supported by the Lemonaid & ChariTea Foundation for half of that time, this initiative represents hope, opportunity, and community.



A Vital Space Amidst the Market

The Mercado Central de Abasto, known for its energetic commerce, also reflects the socio-economic challenges faced by families in the area. Education often takes a back seat, as children are expected to assist their parents at market stalls. Those who aren’t compelled to help often lack the support system to attend school regularly.

Ñande ReKoha addresses these gaps, offering a holistic day care solution for children aged 4 to 15. This vibrant center provides more than just a safe space—it’s a place where children can study, play, grow, and dream. For 140 children annually, and around 40 daily, this facility has become a cornerstone of their educational and social development.

A Privately Funded Lifeline

Founded in 2004 by Elisabeth Gavilan and later entrusted to the foundation Vida Plena, the center operates without state funding—a common plight for private institutions in Paraguay. Over the years, the combined efforts of German organizations like Pro Paraguay Initiative and the Lemonaid & ChariTea Foundation have fortified this project. These partnerships exemplify international solidarity, ensuring the center continues to thrive despite financial challenges.

Transforming Lives Beyond Education


Ñande ReKoha offers much more than academic support. Its infrastructure includes spaces for communal cooking, a playground, and areas for creative exploration such as music and dance. Recent additions include a gardening project, teaching children about sustainability and beautifying their surroundings.

Daily Dominguez, who has led the center since 2015, encapsulates its spirit: “Our job here is to accompany these kids so they can open their minds and hearts, experiencing that they can change if they want to.”


Through consistent attendance, many children have achieved secondary school qualifications—an accomplishment that resonates deeply in a community where education is not always prioritized.



Nurturing a Healthier Future


A unique feature of Ñande ReKoha is its focus on nutrition. With funding from the Lemonaid & ChariTea Foundation, the center educates children about healthy eating habits, countering the region’s reliance on fast food and sugary diets. Communal meals prepared by the children themselves reinforce lessons in teamwork and self-reliance.


The Road Ahead


While 14 years have brought substantial progress, the journey is far from over. Until government funding becomes a reality for such initiatives, institutions like Ñande ReKoha will depend on the generosity of global partnerships. The center’s work underscores the transformative power of community-driven projects in fostering brighter futures.


Through initiatives like Ñande ReKoha, the Lemonaid & ChariTea Foundation reaffirms its commitment to creating meaningful change. Together with dedicated educators and supportive partners, they ensure that spaces like “Our Space” remain a beacon of hope in the heart of Paraguay


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