“Creamos Juntos Cooperativas Escolares”- Introducing school-based student cooperatives in South America

Learning by Doing

Unlike traditional lessons that teach about cooperatives in theory, this program empowers students to learn by doing. Through eight structured workshops and guided support from teachers, students form and manage their own cooperatives—learning how to plan, decide collectively, take on responsibilities, and evaluate results.

Rosa Rivarola, Senior Project Consultant at DGRV and program coordinator, explains:
“We’re not just teaching values—we’re creating safe spaces for students to live them. When young people vote in assemblies, collaborate on projects, or lead their peers, they’re learning essential life and social skills.”

Each school follows a flexible 7-step roadmap during the academic year, supported by trained teachers and local cooperatives that mentor and guide the students. These partnerships connect classroom learning with real-world cooperative practice. 

Real Impact, Real Skills

In just two years, over 20 school cooperatives have been launched across four countries. Their activities range from organic gardening and food production to recycling services and stationery shops.
But more important than the business itself is the experience: students develop confidence, collaboration skills, and a strong sense of purpose.

Local cooperatives act as mentors—offering resources, technical guidance, and a link to the broader cooperative ecosystem. This intergenerational collaboration enriches the learning experience and strengthens community ties. 

Growing the Movement

The program’s reach has grown thanks to several complementary strategies. In-person mentor training workshops have equipped more than 100 teachers to replicate and spread the model.

Exchange programs allow educators from different countries to experience successful implementations firsthand.
Youth cooperative events provide spaces for students to connect and build a shared regional cooperative identity.
Participation in public events—such as ExpoEducación Paraguay 2025—has increased visibility within the education community.

Building the Future, Together

For these students, being part of a cooperative means more than learning about business—it means discovering how to make a difference. It means realizing that leadership is about service, that democracy happens every day, and that collective dreams are within reach.

With the goal of launching even more school cooperatives by 2026, “Creamos Juntos Cooperativas Escoalares” is not just shaping future cooperative leaders—it’s helping raise a new generation of citizens committed to building a fairer, more caring world.