Unity 4 Orphans introduces an exceptional boy from our Saturday program in Panama, where children find belonging, learn to overcome trauma and receive counseling and tutoring.
Every Saturday vulnerable children gather at Juntos Podemos, which has been fostering self-confidence and hope for the future in Panama City for seventeen years. The staff also open their doors for an after-school remedial program to help teens who have dropped out of school return to their studies and graduate high school. Many children come from fractured families and lack consistent guidance, putting them at risk of dangers including addiction, daily violence, drugs, human trafficking, and prostitution.
Counseling and Tutoring Help Vulnerable Children Build Self-Esteem
We recently announced that we hired 3 counselors to work with the kids who attend Juntos Podemos, bringing Healing 4 Change to about 100 children. They struggle with dysfunctional families of origin, being raised in a dangerous community, and a lack of ability to express their emotions in healthy ways.
I fight for this program because of the kids. We would love to begin the ESL course and teach the children art and music. Panama doesn’t have these in public schools or after-school programs.
–Enrique, Program Director, Juntos Podemos
Our holistic approach to caring for orphaned and abandoned children looks slightly different in each location. In 2025 we hope to bring English as a second language lessons, help foster their God-given talents, and provide healthy outlets like art, drama, and music.
Children Need Encouragement to Foster Their God-Given Talents
Life is difficult for children like 13-year-old Joshua, who is growing up on the dangerous streets of Curundu. Sounds of fighting, gunshots, and clashes between drug cartels and law enforcement frighten children and create an unstable environment punctured by fear. Joshua has experienced a sense of belonging and hope since he began attending Juntos Podemos, where a counselor pointed him out as a talented burgeoning artist.
We have a very talented boy. He doesn’t have paper, pencils, or classes to develop his natural skills for drawing. In the future, we’d like to have some art classes.
–Enrique, Program Director, Juntos Podemos
In a city where playing in his neighborhood is unsafe, Joshua can study and keep up in school, receive counseling, and learn to express himself through art. Drawing is a constructive way to escape the violence that surrounds him and create a sense of peace and contentment. Juntos Podemos has empowered him to believe in himself and reach his potential.
Help Youth in Panama City Receive Supplemental Education and ESL
It’s our goal for every child supported by our programs to receive counseling and ESL in 2025. Along with providing safe places to learn and play, these valuable tools help them overcome trauma and build bridges to future possibilities. Partnering with boots on the ground gives us an inside track to bring true transformation to children who need it most.
I’m so glad the team at Juntos Podemos is there to be role models and show the children the way of Jesus. They help them imagine something better and we’re so happy we can be a small part of the work they’re doing.
–Caitlin Snyder, Executive Director
Holistic care makes space for children to become who God created them to be. Our dedicated partner network in Panama as well as Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, and Nicaragua is limited only by the resources we’re able to provide. Join forces with U4O this giving season and help children like Joshua flourish and thrive in 2025!