Educate 89 inner-city youths and adults in Panama

Project Report: Educate 89 Inner-City Youths and Adults in Panama

Academia Juntos Podemos

1. Executive Summary

The "Educate Inner-City Youths and Adults in Panama" project has as its main objective to provide educational opportunities to youth and adults from marginalized urban communities in Panama. This effort, led by Academia Juntos Podemos, seeks to improve the basic reading, writing, math, and digital skills of 89 participants, equipping them with tools for a brighter future.

During the project period, we have made significant progress, with the support of our community and collaborators. Through personalized classes, mentoring, and a practical approach, we have empowered youth and adults to overcome educational barriers and improve their quality of life.

2. Project Objectives

The main objectives of the project were:

To provide basic training in reading, writing, and mathematics for youth and adults who did not have access to quality education.

To train in digital skills to increase employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

To promote social inclusion and community participation through educational programs, generating a mindset of empowerment and resilience.

To improve the confidence and self-esteem of participants through continuing education and personalized support.

3. Key Achievements

The project achieved several important milestones:

Basic education for 89 participants: All participants successfully completed the literacy, mathematics, and digital skills modules.

Increased job opportunities: Thanks to the training in technological skills, 25 of the participants were able to find jobs in areas such as online sales, technical support, and digital entrepreneurship.

Personal growth: A significant increase in the confidence of the participants was observed who reported improvements in their daily and family life, with more confidence in their abilities.

Community participation: We involved the local community in educational activities, creating networks of support and collaboration.

4. Challenges Encountered

The project faced several challenges that were successfully overcome:

Limited access to technological resources: Many of the participants lacked access to electronic devices and internet connection in their homes. This was mitigated by creating learning centers with access to computers and free internet connection.

Initial demotivation of some participants: Some adults showed skepticism or low confidence in their ability to learn new skills. However, through personalized mentoring and motivational sessions, their participation was improved.

Impact of the pandemic: The restrictions imposed by COVID-19 delayed the start of some in-person activities. We adapted the project to a mixed format, combining virtual and in-person classes according to the possibilities of the participants.

5. Lessons Learned

The most important lessons learned include:

The importance of individualized accompaniment: Personalized mentoring and tutoring programs were key to maintaining the engagement of participants, especially those facing more severe challenges.

The role of the community in the success of the project: By including the families and neighbors of the participants, we managed to create a support network that improved learning and motivation.

Flexibility and adaptation: Maintaining flexibility in methodology was essential to overcome the challenges presented by the pandemic and other logistical obstacles.

6. Next Steps and Sustainability

With the success achieved in the first phase of the project, Academia Juntos Podemos plans the following steps:

Expansion of the educational program: The number of beneficiaries will be increased to 150 young people and adults by next year.

Implementation of a follow-up program: A follow-up initiative will be launched to ensure that participants continue to apply the acquired skills in their daily and work lives.

Development of strategic alliances: New alliances will be established with local companies and organizations to provide more job opportunities for trained participants.

Seeking additional funding: We will continue to seek funding and collaborations that will ensure the long-term sustainability of the program.

7. Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all the sponsors, volunteers, and collaborators who made this project possible. Their support was crucial in providing education to these 89 people and changing their lives in a positive way.

STUDENT FOLLOW UP PROGRAM

Youth Group: “Los Number One”

Academia Juntos Podemos

Coordinator: Joaquín Garrido

June, 2024

Survey summary

Students were questioned about the problems that could prevent them from staying at school. These are their answers:

1. Moving from Curundu due to problems with some people.

2. Having financial problems at home and not being able to take care of the monthly payments.

3. Becoming a gang member.

4. Having family problems.

5. Going to study abroad.

6. Getting a job and not having time to go to school.

7. Getting sick.

8. Spending to much time with a girlfriend.

Students were also questioned about the solutions to face those problems. Their answers included:

1. Fixing issues with people from the neighborhood.

2. Getting a stable part time job.

3. Having an intimate relationship with God.

4. Having a better communication with my family.

5. Finding additional resources to study.

6. Registering all the subjects on the night shift.

7. Going to the doctor.

8. Talking to the principal and let him know that I have a problem.

9. Organize better my time.

August, 2024

The Thurstone Interest Scale was applied to 9 students with the aim of sharing how it could be scientifically determined the careers they could study depending on their honest answers to the test.

September, 2024

The Clinical Analysis Questionnaire (CAQ) was applied to 6 students divided into three groups of 2 members each with the objective of sharing personality traits that will help them understand their own behaviors.

October, 2024

Students talked about personal issues, family problems and their impact on their studies.

November, 2004

Vocational Orientation

1. The students of Together We Can Academy took a tour guided by Mr. Joaquín Garrido. During this informal visit they were guided by members of the student associations of Fine Arts, Veterinary Medicine and Physical Education. They presented the requirements to enter their careers and job opportunities upon graduation. Professor Elzebir de Fuertes, from the Faculty of Psychology, shared information about the importance of making a good vocational choice because the possibility of turning many of their dreams and aspirations for the future into a reality will depend on this decision. Also, the student Abdel Filós (Psychology major)

advised them on their academic and professional future while they received an induction into university life in the facilities of El Domo Cafeteria. The tour concluded with a friendly soccer match with the students of the School of Physical Education.

2. PIZZA WAS SHARED WITH THE STUDENTS. We had a day to share and talk about their personal issues.

3. CONVERSATORY WITH MERCEDES DEL CASTILLO ABOUT HER VOCATIONAL PREFERENCES. We talked about Mercedes del Castillo’s professional experience within business administration and the vocational preferences of the students. Additionally, we discuss the labor market demand for such vocational preferences.