As Paulo Freire encouraged us to transform difficulties into opportunities, this principle is strongly reflected in the “Recycled Instruments Orchestra of Cateura,” a socio-musical project developed in Bañado Sur, a historically excluded and marginalized neighborhood of Asunción, Paraguay. In a context marked by deep inequality, this project has become an educational and social beacon, democratizing access to culture and transforming the lives of its young participants and the community as a whole.
What makes this orchestra unique are its instruments, made from materials salvaged from the Cateura landfill. This initiative serves as a powerful metaphor for its participants—and for the world—by showing that beauty and value can emerge even from the most difficult circumstances. This message has helped change the perspective of the young musicians, proving to them that their potential is not limited by socioeconomic constraints, encouraging them to dream and expand their life prospects.
The Cateura Music School, the seedbed of the Orchestra, provides a safe and stimulating space where around 300 children and young people can develop their artistic, personal, and social skills while acquiring essential tools to face the challenges of their environment. For those who go on to join the Orchestra, the project offers educational scholarships and social support, opening the door to completing secondary education and even accessing university—a milestone that, for some, means becoming the first in their families to attend college—thus ensuring their right to education. Paraguay’s low secondary school completion rate (only 4 out of 10 young people finish all 12 years of schooling) highlights the importance of this support.
Beyond these significant educational and social benefits, being part of the Orchestra also provides enriching experiences such as national and international travel, attendance at cultural events, and the expansion of their support networks.
This array of experiences offered by the Cateura Orchestra fosters a sense of purpose, helping the young people of this community find meaning and value in their lives. This project, which combines culture and education, is a clear example of how creating opportunities in vulnerable contexts can transform realities, reframe personal histories, and inspire a more hopeful and just future.
PhD in Education & Society at the University of Barcelona