Child sponsorship update from Panama City, Panama

Update for child sponsors from the SOS Children's Village at Panama City, Panama from December 2008.

Dear Sponsors:

This year we have experienced many challenges, which we have managed to overcome and continue with this effort, thanks to your contribution as committed sponsors that will strengthen each of our goals. The social and economical status of the country has changed and food costs has increased, primarily affecting families who are in a vulnerable state, leading the younger population neglected and at social risk.

It is noteworthy that the opportunities to provide a home for children at social risk is one of the goals of our program and during this last season, twelve boys and girls were able to integrate into an SOS family, having a home, sharing a community and living in harmony. We maintain a population of 143 children and adolescents distributed in 17 SOS family houses, where they share with their biological and social siblings, several activities of their daily living and especially the academic training that will give them the opportunity to continue to their independence process.

It is important to mention that we have completed a school year with academic averages between regular, successful and very satisfactory in a category of 3.5 to 4.5 (schools grades in Panama go from 1.0 to 5.0) for elementary and secondary education. Ten boys and girls will obtain their academic promotions and will enrol in junior high school and vocational school, and a group of six young people will be promoted to high school and vocational education. Additionally, two young students are completing their high school commercial studies and have expressed aspirations, one to go to the university and the other to enrol in the national police officer’s academy.

Skills for independent living

On the other hand, 14 children and young people received awards, as a motivation for their good grades, during the festivities of SOS Day on 23 June. The celebration was carried out with recreational activities: “piñata”, candies, games and a drawing contest.

Again this year, we brought together 40 former SOS children, young women and men. Some of them were accompanied by their children and commitment partners. We were able to share the achievements of Patricia, who finished her university studies in business administration and marketing and who is now working; Luzdelina, who is doing in her professional practice to receive her bachelor’s degree in education and Eduardo, who will receive his diploma in administration and computer systems bachelor’s degree. We have continued to support these young people with scholarship programs and assisted rent payment at the start of their independent lives.

It is important to mention that we have succeeded in establishing a care program for SOS children, mothers and collaborators with the Piero Martinez foundation, with the aim of working in workshops to heal wounds and improve SOS families’ dynamics. A group of 73 children participated in various workshops and 22 SOS mothers also were benefited during a 5 months period.

Up to this moment, we have 15 young people in the SOS youth communities that have received training in vocational guidance, sexuality, computer skills and enjoyed an outing and a life sharing experience together with the youths from the SOS Children's Village Penonome.

Children celebrating events

An event that we can not ignore was the global peace games, held on Saturday, September 20. We organised a harmonious integration of children, young people and adults for Peace; involving different Delegations such as the Kiwanis Club, Lions Club of “La Locería” community, Casa Esperanza, Panamanian Chinese Cultural Centre, Real Madrid Friends Foundation Panama and the SOS Children's Village Panama community.

The games were developed with great joy and the viewers encouraged their teams. A group of SOS mothers participated in a friendly soccer game with other mothers of the invited children. All participating teams were awarded and were a great day to get together for Peace.

Within the SOS village, ten boys and girls are preparing to receive their first communion at the end of this year. Their SOS mothers proudly rush to have the new clothes tailored and preparing the family group. We have considering that some biological relatives of the children who are available can participate and will be integrated into this religious celebration.

Finally we are starting the end of the year Holidays arrangements and it as awakened all of the excitement of Christmas that keeps the hope for a positive change, the realisation of the dreams and expectations of a better tomorrow; that we will have the support of sponsors, who maintain the conviction that children are the hope of the future and that the training given to them, is a tool to generate progress and prosperity in the communities where an SOS Children's Village develops.

Thank you and may God continue to blessing you!

Roberto Watson
Village Director
SOS Children’s Village Panama