Youth Health Promoter

Are you passionate about youth health and ready to support communities in strengthening the well-being of their adolescents? Communities in Paraguay are seeking your support.

National and local institutions, like the Paraguayan Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, agree that many communities face rising challenges related to youth health, including noncommunicable diseases, substance use, emotional stress, and limited access to youth-friendly information about sexual and reproductive health. These challenges are influenced by shifting social and cultural norms, limited health promotion resources, and varying levels of community awareness. Because schools and health posts often lack training, coordination, or resources to address these topics effectively, Paraguay seeks support to develop skills among the local youth, parents, caregivers, and service providers.

As a Youth Health Promoter, you will work in collaboration with teachers, caregivers, and community health workers to promote healthy behaviors and expand the local capacity to support youth well-being. Together, you will strengthen the youths’ ability to make informed choices and manage emotional and social pressures. This collaborative approach contributes to stronger community health systems and equips the Paraguayan youth with the knowledge and skills to thrive.

Associate degree in any field and at least two years of full-time, post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles).
OR
Bachelor's degree in any field.
OR
High school diploma or GED and four years of full-time, post-high school work (from any combination of roles).

The Volunteer will live in a welcoming rural, semirural, or small urban Paraguayan community located 2-6 hours by bus from the capital, Asunción. The Volunteer will live at the level of the community and can expect simple but comfortable housing with electricity, running water, and cell service. The Volunteer will spend 10 weeks of training and the first two months at the assigned site living with a host family, after which they may choose to live independently while staying closely connected to the community.

Develop skills in global health, youth‑development, and intercultural communications by facilitating programs alongside community members.
Learn Spanish and Guarani (Paraguay’s two official languages) from skilled Language and Cross-Cultural Facilitators.
Gain a deeper understanding of South American culture by experiencing Paraguayan traditions in person.

Assess youth health needs through meetings, home visits, mapping, interviews, and surveys with community health workers.
Facilitate health education workshops in schools on healthy lifestyles, substance‑use prevention, emotional well‑being, and sexual and reproductive health.
Support the creation and facilitation of youth health clubs.
Strengthen the capacity of local educators to deliver engaging, youth‑focused health content.
Offer trainings and discussion groups for caregivers and service providers to enhance their ability to support local youth.
Promote healthy alternatives for youth through structured activities.
Participate in community events and celebrations alongside neighbors and colleagues to build relationships and foster collaboration.

You may also work on secondary projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as English conversation groups or youth camps.

As a Youth Health Promoter, you will be trained to support youth health and well-being while strengthening community capacity to address local health challenges. Peace Corps/Paraguay will teach you Spanish to help you comfortably live in and connect with your community. You will also study Guarani, the other official language that is spoken throughout Paraguay, which will be important for your integration in your community. Peace Corps will provide you with resources for ongoing language learning.

After 10 weeks of training, you will move to a rural, semi-rural, or small urban community, where you will collaborate with health workers, caregivers, educators, and health service providers to assess local priorities and develop solutions based on resources.