Education

Right from the beginning one of the most important concerns the people of Neuland had, was to provide their children and youth with a good education.
People here assume that this is the best asset and investment for the members. Therefore the pioneers first attended to the area of education and schools before building their own houses. That is, the lack of buildings or classrooms did not stop them, they simply held the first classes in the shade of trees.

Today schooling from 1st to 12th grade is seen as quite essential and school attendance is compulsory up to 9th grade. 27 years after founding the colony the decision was made to centralize the schools. The pre- and elementary school, as well as the high school (7th-12th grade) are in Neu-Halbstadt, the Center. The schools have modern classrooms and laboratories equipped for the practical instruction and projects stipulated by the curricula.

The community is in charge of school buses to transport the children. Half the expenses of the school system are payed for from the contributions of all the members and the other half by the parents as school fees.

University Education

The colony offers scholarships to support members who have finished high school and would like to study in Asunción or abroad. Currently there are about 50 young people taking advantage of this offer.

The scholarship holders commit themselves to working for the colony in their area of expertise after finishing their studies; failing this, they have to return the scholarship.

Study Options Provided by the Colonies

Education that also provides practical training for every-day life has always been an important aspect of the Mennonite communities. To live up to that, the colonies established a joint school authority. Among other things this led to the construction of the Educational Center for Nutrition and Home Economics which was kindly supported by the Alfons-Goppel foundation from Germany. This center was built in Neuland Colony.

The colonies also jointly maintain a Teacher Training Institute in Fernheim Colony, where students can graduate as elementary school teachers after three years.

And a Vocational Training School is located in Menno Colony. It offers vocational training in the following areas: agriculture, livestock or dairy farming, carpentry, mechanics and accounting. You can also get training as a secretary and traffic police officer.

The Music School

Singing and music is highly valued in Neuland. That is why, for instance, a few years ago a remarkable Youth String Orchestra, whose member have been trained by international teachers, was formed. The string orchestra has a repertoire of classical as well as newer music. The piano is also a very popular instrument being taught by several teachers. It is used mainly to accompany the Sunday worship services.

The music school looks after the instruction and examinations of the music students and the group rehearsals, and organizes different concerts and recitals.

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