At Risk Children Dance for Social Change

The rapid proliferation of hotels and commercial establishments in Panama's historic Casco Antiguo is undeniably a positive development, but it also brings to light the pervasive issue of gentrification. As the area experiences significant transformation, it becomes increasingly imperative to ensure that the local residents are not left behind. It's crucial to equip the people with the skills necessary to actively participate in this burgeoning development, thus avoiding marginalization. 

This scenario underscores the importance of tailored training programs designed to bridge the gap and ensure inclusivity. Particularly noteworthy is the opportunity these endeavors present for women, who can make substantial contributions to various sectors such as tourism, hotels, gastronomy, and general services. 

The contrasts between the developed area of Casco Antiguo in Panama and its surrounding areas are stark and emblematic of the broader issue of uneven development. Amidst these disparities we recognized a huge potential. The residents of these surrounding areas possess invaluable skills, talents, and entrepreneurial spirit that, if nurtured and supported, could contribute significantly to the ongoing development of Casco Antiguo and beyond. By providing proper support, training, and opportunities, these individuals could become active participants in the local economy, driving innovation, fostering community resilience, and enhancing overall prosperity.

It is against this backdrop that, when presented with the opportunity to select a community for the implementation of a new CAPTA program, we opted to extend the invitation to women residing in Casco Anitguo and its surrounding areas. In March, we inaugurated the program with 45 remarkable women who demonstrated unwavering commitment, resilience, diligence, and dedication to successfully completing a rigorous 7-week job training program.

The pioneering efforts of Fundación Calicanto, rooted in Casco Antiguo, further emphasize this commitment to community empowerment. As the foundation's inaugural community, Casco Antiguo holds a special significance, not only for its historical value but also as the birthplace of the foundation's mission. Thus, the ongoing efforts to uplift the population of Casco Antiguo and its surrounding areas are not only a tremendous honor but also a source of great excitement for our team, highlighting the profound impact that Fundación Calicanto has on human capital development in Casco Antiguo.

Today, a new CAPTA cohort concluded the initial phase of our developmental initiative, graduating from CAPTA. Among the diverse range of training topics they received were:

• Adaptability to Change 
• Effective Communication
• Self-esteem
• Gender and Violence prevention
• Job Search 
• Resume writing
• Job Interview 
• Labor Rights

We are thrilled to witness a fresh group of women feeling more confident, resilient, and empowered to continue learning and standing on their own two feet. With 73 graduating cohorts behind us, we are eagerly gearing up to launch another program—now aiming for number 74. Stay tuned, as we'll soon share exciting news about yet another graduation.

Have you heard that the sky is the limit for the dreams of boys and girls?

In the summer of 2022, Leah, a young and talented student full of motivation, joined the Enlaces Program. However, her journey had only just begun. As a member of a single-parent household, Leah brought with her a bag full of valuable experiences, thanks to the educational opportunities her mother tirelessly sought.

In Enlaces, her academic potential shone brightly, and with the support of her dedicated family, a journey was undertaken to seek opportunities aligned with her skills. That's when we received the news that the "She is an Astronaut" program was coming to Panama. We all knew that this was the opportunity Leah had been waiting for.

After a rigorous application and interview process, carefully guided by the psychosocial team at Enlaces, the exciting news arrived: Leah would be one of the 10 crew members on the "She is an Astronaut" expedition. This journey not only involved intensive classes in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) but also culminated in her training with a visit to NASA in Houston.

Pride filled the hearts of everyone at Enlaces as they witnessed Leah achieve this monumental accomplishment. This success was not only the result of her own efforts but also the ongoing investment of her family in the pursuit of a better future through education.

Leah's story is not only inspiring but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of providing opportunities to talented boys and girls. Thank you for allowing us to continue being a platform for the takeoff of more dreams.