Empower Youth Transition from Orphanage to Society

“What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” - Sheryl Sandberg

This year has started with a big feeling of motivation to continue with our strategy of supporting at-risk youth by working on their personal development, supporting their caregivers, and participating in law creations for the child protection system.

Not so long ago, It started as a pilot program and now we are almost getting close to the end of the 1st official program implementation - Caring about Caregivers. 

56 participants from 6 different institutions have spent hours learning about human development, how to work with youth exposed to abandonment, abuse, and institutionalization. 

Thanks to the interest of all three sides; caregivers, government, and institutions, we will continue to work on expanding the program.

This is why we have decided to add the program as a second project on GlobalGiving platform and hopefully continue with your support =) 

As for our personal development program,  we've recruited 32 participants from 9 orphanages, 4 out of which are new partners:

• Ciudad del Niño 
• FunChipa 
• CAI Amador 
• CAI Chorrera

Our happiest news is the implementation of a new law that Allies for Children and Adolescents (which we are a part of) achieved to push through. What is hoped to be achieved with this law is that the system recognizes the family as the first circle of protection and seeks family strengthening and the role of parents in the upbringing and development of children and adolescents. 

In case this is not possible, every ministry has the responsibility in their area to provide access to education, medicine, food, and legal counseling to children and at-risk youth.

We know that the execution of the law won't be easy but we do hope that, in time, it will show results of fewer children and youth in substitute homes.

Until next time,

Your Tav Team

Links:

• Any questions? Chat us on Instagram

Last time we gave a peek into our program for Caregivers and the problems they face. This time we want to talk about the importance of their role in a child's healthy development. A Caregiver who offers love, guidance and provides a sense of acceptance and security can have a positive effect on psychical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. 

The majority of children/youth in orphanages didn’t or don't have a positive affectional role in their lives which leads to general insecurity about everyone and everything. Entering an institution such as an orphanage, substitute home or foster home can seem the best solution in certain situations but it can come with a toll. The institution should provide security and protection, but as every organization, it consists out of people and these people need to be educated, trained, and ready to work with vulnerable populations to push them in the right direction.

We have seen the consequences of unprepared Caregivers carrying their own burden, and the negative effects they have on our participants. This is why we’ve started the program Caring about the Caregivers which allows us not only to support the Caregivers but also the orphanage and the participants. 

Our alliances with the embassy of Canada and the Ministry of Social Development, who also recognize the importance of the project, have helped us expand our support to more orphanages in the interior of Panama, which have less access to funds, training, and other educational programs.

For 6 months, 4 days in a month we’ll have the opportunity to work with 50 Caregivers in groups and individually, but it won’t be just us. One of the highlights of the program is creating a network where all the Caregivers can share their experiences, learn and support each other.

This is the first week of implementation in the interior so stay tuned for more information next time,

Sincerely,

Your TaV team

Links:

• Learn more about Caregivers from their storytelling