Fight Poverty: Educate Women in Panama

Born in Bocas del Toro, 23 years old Catherine, will return to her town in a couple of weeks. Her youth contrasts with the trauma she has already endured in her life. One day a neighbor told her about a program for women, she replied: “maybe, where should I go? It`s opened in Panama City, and she said: “no”. But her friend insisted and offered staying with her sister. What followed was a fascinating adventure that shook up everything she thought she knew. The journey to Panama took her 10 hours, the discovery of the big city and the uncertainty of what might happen were in his head all the way.

Now Catherine is near to complete the seven weeks of CAPTA 47 Training Program and she will be ready to work in the hotel industry as housekeeper. The last week, she told us she dreamed of working for a beautiful resort in Bocas del Toro within the next six months, that’s when I asked her: “Are you willing to do whatever it takes?” and her response was: “Yes, I am willing to do whatever it takes to change my life and to help my family, ¡I am about to do it! ¨

Thanks to your support, many other women, as well as Catherine, will be able to benefit from the CAPTA training.

In the same group, other 23 students completed the fundamental cycle with joy. During the closing class, the students organized a contest, where they chose a queen who represented their values. The entire activity revolved around Recycling and it was developed with the aim of highlighting talents and qualities of the students, promoting teamwork and raising awareness on the preservation of the environment. We invited Experts in the field to give the participants awareness-raising talks on its importance and how to apply it daily.

At Fundación Calicanto we believe that it is not just about technical skills to improve yourself. In our CAPTA training we provide students with real hands-on experience to enter the workforce efficiently through learning, personal growth, experiential workshops and community work.

Two weeks ago, the group was divided into two groups to continue with the vocational training phase where they are prepared in technical tools in the areas of Hotel or Restaurant, to continue with the practice in outstanding establishments in the city.

This has been a very strong-willed group, women with very difficult life stories like Catherine's but who have managed to overcome the obstacles and persevere in their struggle.

Everyone at the foundation is looking forward to May 24, which will be the day of graduation, where we will give women certificates of completion and motivate them to continue a new growth and life changing phase more strengthened to have access to employment opportunities and improve their quality of life and their children’s.

 We want to thank you again for helping women in Panama making a difference in their communities.

Links:

• Fundacion Calicanto