Our History
The Neuland Colony was founded in 1947 as the last of three Mennonite colonies in the Paraguayan Chaco. The founding families arrived from the former Soviet Union, seeking freedom and a new beginning.
Our beginnings
In November 1947, the MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) purchased 40 leagues of land for the settlement of Mennonite refugees from the former Soviet Union. On July 30 of that year, the immigrants decided to found four first villages: Lichtenau, Neuendorf, Einlage and Neu-Halbstadt. In January 1948 the colony was named 'NEULAND' meaning 'New Land'. Neu-Halbstadt became the administrative center where the first administration buildings, hospital, churches and school were built.
Timeline
Mennonite refugees from former USSR founded Colonia Neuland. 2,474 people arrived by ship. CCM bought 40 leagues (75,000 ha). June 4: settlement committee elected in Fernheim. July 30: decision to found first villages: Lichtenau, Neuendorf, Einlage, Neu-Halbstadt. Sept 30: first settlers' assembly under trees in Neu-Halbstadt.
December 4: colony assembly established February 1 as anniversary day to thank God. The colony receives the name 'NEULAND' meaning 'New Land'.
Jan 22: settlement committee replaced by elected administration. June 1: Cooperativa Neuland established. First phone call Neuland→Fernheim. Dr. Wilhelm Rakko and family moved to serve the colony (for 25 years).
September 27: legal foundations of the 'Neuland' Colony established in its statutes.
Concordia Hospital inaugurated, still providing health services to the entire Central Chaco today.
Primary schools built in each village. Secondary cycle began. Mennonite Brethren congregation built church in Gnadental village.
First buildings for Colegio Neuland constructed, including boarding house.
From January 1, every Asociacion Neuland member automatically became Cooperativa Neuland member. Mennonite Church built its church (supervised by Jakob Neufeld), inaugurated December 1955.
With German embassy support, an aula magna was built at Colegio Secundario Neuland.
Asociacion Neuland administration organized sports field for youth recreation.
July: 25th anniversary celebrated with Paraguayan government and German embassy authorities present.
Neuland became first of 3 German-descendant settlements to centralize primary schools in Neu-Halbstadt.
Uniform social security implemented in all 3 Chaco settlements, including a minimum pension at 20% of national minimum wage for people over 65.
Natural catastrophe insurance offered (storms and fires). Auto insurance added three years later.
Camp 'Aurora Chaqueña' built ~12 km from Neu-Halbstadt for children, youth and church members.
Cooperativa Neuland invested in its first computer (cost ≈ new VOLVO 340 truck). Social committee founded for elderly/disabled.
Youth center organized; rented old warehouse then acquired own building on Calle Quebracho (1995).
Youth orchestra founded with Canadian music instructors; today taught by local teachers.
Cooperativa bought Hotel Boquerón from private owner.
Cooperativa's sales room replaced by modern supermarket, inaugurated 1997 at 50th anniversary.
April: 50th anniversary celebrated. President of Paraguay and national political figures attended.
Frigorífico Neuland Cycle II inaugurated in Mariano Roque Alonso (Central Department).
Frigorífico Cycle I construction began in Villa Hayes (inaugurated 2008). Asociacion had 1,800 members, Cooperativa ~710 members, 266,000 ha land. Junta Comunal de Vecinos Neuland recognized by Mariscal Estigarribia municipality.
New Colegio Neuland building (staff room, library, auditorium). 1° de Febrero main street asphalted. Asociacion bought 45,000 ha in Pilcomayo zone, created 'Agropil' ranch.
Radio Neuland community station established (91.9 FM). CENCOPROD tannery inaugurated. Nivaclé settlement at Cayin ô Clim founded 80 km west (80 families, 4,500 ha). Neuland Volunteer Fire Department established.
Club Deportivo Neuland built first phase of sports pavilion.
Geriatric home inaugurated. New ECOP fuel station built.
Hotel/Restaurant Boquerón reopened with new kitchen and 22 renovated rooms. CENCOPROD tannery expanded to bone and fat processing.
New Tiege branch opened (store + ECOP station). 1.4 ha land acquired in Neu-Halbstadt for elderly housing. New Farmacia Concordia inaugurated.
9,000 ha acquired 100 km west for young Cooperative members program. New SAP building inaugurated (sales room, storage, offices). Frigorífico Cycle II renovated in Villa Hayes (President attended).
UGA environmental adaptation project installed. 'Haras Potsdam' horse breeding project began.
June: 70th anniversary celebrated. 'EDI Neuland' daycare opened. Cooperative representation moved to Mariano Roque Alonso after 51 years in Asunción.
CFCL vocational training center established (recognized by SNPP). 'Nueva Tierra' fertilizer brand launched.
ISO 14001 presented at Frigorífico Villa Hayes. PPP (Protected Productive Landscape) project began.
Frigorífico Neuland won Top of Mind award. New Sede Corporativa Mariano inaugurated in Mariano Roque Alonso.
Geriatric expanded with 8 new rooms. Frigorífico celebrated 20 years of operations.
75th anniversary celebrated at Rodeo Neuland grounds. New hardware store and spare parts section inaugurated. 'Balanceados Neuland' brand launched.
Concordia Hospital acquired MRI machine; new clinical laboratory inaugurated.
A story that continues
Neuland keeps growing with the same pioneering spirit that brought the first families to the Paraguayan Chaco.