Aid & Development (No. 3)

Greetings, families! This is Christian, stepping up as the first solo Leader of the Day, ready to share our eventful day with you.

Our morning began a tad later than usual, gathering at 7:40 AM for a hearty breakfast featuring tasty salchichas, fried tortilla, and a refreshing pineapple beverage. The highlight of the morning was a compelling presentation by Findlay Mulligan from the Peace Corps, who met us at our hotel at 9 AM. Mulligan eloquently conveyed the purpose of the Peace Corps, emphasizing their collaborative approach to community development. Instead of imposing solutions, they work hand-in-hand with local communities, exemplified by initiatives like the EcoStove project for reduced fuel use and reforestation efforts. He emphasizes the importance of cultural understanding and immersion, recounting his team’s experiences living in local homes to better support and connect with the community. His insights shed light on the impactful work of non-profit organizations in Panama.

Later, we visited Escuela de Paris, a rural school, where we were met by Principal Erika and gave an impassioned speech in which we were deeply moved. She described the challenges facing the school, including the need for more teachers and students. Inspired by her words, we brainstormed and crafted a plan to contribute positively: painting vibrant murals on steel room doors, inscribing school values on columns, and organizing engaging activities to foster community among students.

After a fulfilling day of learning and planning, we gathered for a delightful dinner of pasta, bread, and freshly made juice. Despite a more relaxed schedule today, we gained profound insights into Panama’s community and reaffirmed our commitment to aiding in its development.

And finally, we concluded with a brief meeting, passing the leadership torch to Elyanna Kwok, who will guide us on our next adventure.