Fighting Corruption in the Education Sector in Paraguay
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Loading... - AHARON GAMAL
- 07 Nov 2024
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In Paraguay, the fight against corruption in the education sector has gained momentum thanks to the efforts of David Riveros García, a dedicated advocate for transparency and accountability. After leading a month-long demonstration against corruption at one of the country's largest public high schools, Riveros García founded reAcción Paraguay, a nonprofit organization that combines civic education, technology, and social mobilization to hold the government accountable for its actions.
Mission and Achievements of reAcción Paraguay
For the past 15 years, reAcción has focused on ensuring that public investments in school infrastructure and meals reach the most underserved schools in Paraguay. The organization played a pivotal role in reforming national procurement policies for the education sector, enhancing coordination between high-level authorities in the Ministry of Education and the National Procurement Agency.
One of the key innovations introduced by reAcción is the Foco app (meaning "lightbulb" in Spanish), which serves as a public interface for transparency regarding Paraguay’s historical investments in education infrastructure and school meals. Riveros García explains, “There was a lack of effective monitoring to ensure resources actually reached the prioritized schools, despite the fact that there is an ever-increasing amount of data making that possible. That’s where our work comes in.” Over three years, their efforts led to a five-fold increase in the correct allocation of funds in Paraguay's wealthiest city, ensuring that more needy schools received the resources they were entitled to.
Educational Background and Leadership Development
Riveros García's journey began as a teenager when he founded reAcción. He later earned a full scholarship to Morningside University in Iowa and obtained a master’s degree in development studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science as a Chevening Scholar. His decision to attend the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) was driven by the practical nature of the Master in Public Administration (MPA) program, which he believed would equip him with essential leadership and management skills.
Reflecting on his experiences, Riveros García acknowledges the value of the skills he is acquiring at HKS. “I would have developed skills in negotiation and leadership in different ways that would have been more strategic and cost-effective,” he notes. He has taken courses on social entrepreneurship, international development, and finance, all of which have significantly contributed to his professional growth.
Fellowship Experiences and Future Aspirations
As a Gleitsman Leadership Fellow and a Cheng Fellow, Riveros García is the first Paraguayan to receive these honors. He values the opportunity to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds in social activism, allowing for deep conversations and reflections on future endeavors. The cross-pollination of ideas within his fellowship cohorts has also been enlightening, as he draws connections between seemingly unrelated fields, such as sustainable energy and civic technology.
Looking ahead, Riveros García aims to scale the work of reAcción to other cities and countries, integrating grassroots efforts with technology to facilitate meaningful civic participation. He believes that their unique hybrid approach can serve as a model for communities both in Paraguay and abroad. “I really want our experience at reAcción to become an inspiration and a role model for a different way of doing international development work that is closer to communities and less dependent on international donors,” he explains.
Commitment to Public Service
Riveros García is driven by a strong sense of duty to serve others, particularly those who have been marginalized. He states, “If we have the privilege of accessing this level of education and meeting brilliant people, then we have a duty and responsibility—not an option—to serve others.” His commitment to public service is rooted in the belief that knowledge can create better livelihoods and brighter futures for those who have been excluded and underprivileged.
In summary, David Riveros García's work through reAcción Paraguay exemplifies a proactive approach to combating corruption in the education sector. By leveraging technology and community engagement, he is not only addressing immediate issues but also paving the way for sustainable change in Paraguay's educational landscape.
