Cleones Silveira, at the age of 69, has embarked on a remarkable journey to become a medical student in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, a city located just across the border from Brazil. After completing his high school education through the Educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA) program, he was able to achieve what he once thought was an impossible dream. His story embodies resilience and illustrates the idea that learning can happen at any stage of life, as he passionately states, "It's never too late to learn. As long as we are alive, we can start anew."

Living and studying in Ciudad del Este for about two years, Cleones left behind a 45-year career as a hairdresser to pursue medicine. One of his biggest challenges has been moving to a different country alone, especially with family back in Brazil who cannot join him permanently. This transition has undoubtedly tested his determination and commitment to his goal. Cleones’s journey is not only personal but reflects a larger trend among Brazilians seeking educational opportunities in Paraguay, with thousands of students pursuing medical degrees across the border.

The article highlights the growing number of Brazilian students in Paraguay, with over 12,000 applications for student visas made in 2025 alone, and more than 43,000 Brazilians granted permission to study in Paraguay over the past five years. This represents a significant educational migration, where individuals like Cleones are breaking barriers and pursuing their ambitions against the odds. His story presents a heartwarming reminder that it's never too late to chase one's dreams, regardless of age or circumstance, joining many others who share similar aspirations in the field of medicine.