Fight Poverty: Educate Women in Panama

Hello all,

My name is Dalys Rodriguez, I am the new program director for Fundacion Calicanto. I have been here four weeks and I am writing this report as a true testament of the change I have seen in the women since my arrival. I started
working with the CAPTA program about 6 months ago as the English volunteer and fell in love with the program and the girls from the very first day.  I remember my first day like it was yesterday, I had never taught English before; I was scared, nervous and excited all at the same time. But as soon as I walked in through the classroom doors, I was
motivated by the women’s joyful voices greeting me: “hello!”

My work schedule did not allow me to interact much with the girls during those first six months but being here full-time has allowed me to see firsthand, the incredible impact that the CAPTA program makes. My first full-time week here, I met women who were clearly timid, spoke softly or aggressively in some cases, and confidence levels were low from what I could perceive but now on my fourth week, the women I see are empowered, they walk and speak with pride and confidence. I was amazed at the change and it proved to me that our “Fundamental Cycle” which is the first five weeks where they learn about their self-esteem, how to channel emotions, resolve conflicts, and entrepreneurship among other courses, really is what makes a difference and helps these women change their outlook on life.

Monday November 21^st, our sixth and final CAPTA group this year went on to the International Hotel School in Clayton, The City of Knowledge.  Their smiling faces expressed excitement and anxiousness as they were embarking on this new journey in their lives.  At the hotel school they will receive specialized training on customer service and proper housekeeping techniques from one of the best Hotel Schools in Panama.

They are all eager to learn and we wish them all the best.  We’ll see them soon again at the Graduation Ceremony next December 7^th.

I would also like to take this opportunity to let you all know that there is a new way you can help ensure that after these women graduate, they continue on their path to success.  That’s right, Fundacion Calicanto realized that a permanent change requires more attention and continuous support so we have created a program that will do just that, and we have called it CONEXION. 

CONEXION is our initiative to provide continuous support to our recipients from our programs CAPTA and Enlaces. This program ensures that our graduates stay on the right path because we provide additional occupational and personal training during monthly activities that focus on reinforcing values through educational seminars.

I invite you to visit our CONEXION page on Global Giving and learn more about this program.

Greetings to all and make sure you check out our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/fundacioncalicanto.org
and follow us on twitter @fundcalicanto

Dear friends,

As always, it is a pleasure sending CAPTA's reports.  This program is really making a difference in the lives of panamanian women, most of them from the impoverished and violent areas surrounding the Historic District.

As I told you in the last report, we were wishing for the 18 women enrolled in the 5th course to finish it and graduate. Due to their background, and the fact that all of them were raised without a positive role model to teach them discipline and responsability, the commitment and focus to finish the course and graduate is always a challenge for every one of them.  But they did it! They found the energy inside themselves and put the best of them to excel in the supervised practice during the vocational training, and for the first time, half of them had a first job offer even before graduating!

I am sharing with you photos of some of the ceremony highlights.  One of the moments that always touches me deeply is when they enter the auditorium and dance in the stage.  But is not any dance. Is one full of positivism, attitude and confidence in themselves.  These 18 women flowing in the stage, some weeks ago were not able to stand up and talk in front of a teacher...and there they were: shinning!

The American Ambassador Phyllis Powers attended the ceremony. We are proudly recipients of the Carsi Grant given through American Embassy to continue our mission, because they believe in what we do.  Like you also did, dear friend.  Without our donors, CAPTA wouldn't exist!   

On behalf of every member of Calicanto team, that has worked so hard and gone through ups and downs to get to this beautiful moment: Thank You!!  As I told the women, when I saw them in the stage with a smile illuminating their faces: every minute of our daily work makes all the sense in the world!

Warm regards,

Patricia.

Links:

• Have you seen our Testimonial videos?