School Uniform Project
While education is free in Panama, there are a number of expenses that prevent students from getting an education. One huge barrier that keeps children from learning is that a child is required to wear a uniform to attend public school in Panama. A group of residents interesting in promoting education for children recently started a project to help provide uniforms and shoes for school children in cases where the parents were unable to afford the cost. Two schools were visited, Escuela Los Pozos and Escuela La Laguna - both are close to Coronado "up in the hills". With the School Administrator’s advice, we determined the students who most needed help. We then searched for and purchased the uniforms ourselves to give directly to the students.
Needless to say, school administration, students and families were thrilled.
Thanks to our community's generous support, money is being raised and donated to help 18 children from these two schools. We have been able to purchase 16 pairs of shoes, 16 shirts, 7 skirts and 8 pairs of pants all for a cost of around $210.00.
Since the project began, other people in the community have added their support and with that, we hope to be able assist children in three additional schools this coming school year. A little money goes a long way to help these kids go to school like their friends and neighbors.
If you would like to support this program through your donations, get in touch with Sharon Rennie at rennie2x@yahoo.com or Mayra Davidson at 661-65585
Use the discussion board to post any questions you may have about the project.