Educate 89 inner-city youths and adults in Panama

Progress Report – Juntos Podemos Academy
August 2025

Transforming Lives Through Education

Juntos Podemos Academy continues to provide a second chance at education for teens and adults who have been excluded from the regular school system. So far in 2025, more than 65 students have participated in our program, showing an inspiring commitment to their future.

This year, we’ve strengthened our holistic approach with several key initiatives:

Career Guidance and Exposure

• Our 12th-grade students took a career aptitude test to help them identify technical or university-level paths aligned with their interests and skills.
• They also visited ITSE (Instituto Técnico Superior Especializado) and the University of Panama as part of their exploration of higher education opportunities.
• In June, students attended MEDUCA's annual fair “Futuro 360”, featuring workshops on adolescent development, identity, and decision-making.

Emotional Support and Identity Workshops

This year, we launched separate counseling groups for boys and girls, providing safe spaces to discuss topics like self-esteem, emotional well-being, and personal goals. These meetings were well received and sparked deep reflection.

Between May and July, students participated in the following sessions:

• A workshop series on identity development, adolescence, and decision-making, including PowerPoint presentations and videos.
• Individual counseling sessions offered on several Tuesdays for personalized support.
• Visits to the Rokero Alcázar Gym, offering a positive environment to strengthen resilience, discipline, and motivation.
• A student support visit to the funeral of a classmate's mother, reflecting the community spirit we nurture in the program.

Thanks to your support, our students are not only catching up academically, but they’re also growing in confidence, healing emotionally, and discovering new dreams. Every step they take brings them closer to a transformed future.

Together, we move forward!
#JuntosPodemos #EducationForAll #HopeInCurundú

Overview
Academia Juntos Podemos continues to serve as a safe, supportive, and empowering space for teenagers who have been excluded from the traditional school system. Our mission is to provide them not only with academic education but also with the emotional tools and community support they need to thrive.

Current Enrollment
As of the 2025 academic year, our enrollment has increased to 85 students, a significant milestone after a period of low attendance. This growth reflects the renewed trust in our program and the persistent need for alternative education pathways for at-risk youth.

Focus on Socio-Emotional Support
We recognize that many of our students face complex socio-emotional challenges that have played a central role in their disengagement from the regular school system. In response, we are actively reinforcing the tools and resources available to them, including:

• Dedicated emotional support staff and counselors
• Peer support groups and workshops
• Life skills sessions focused on self-esteem, communication, and conflict resolution

These efforts are critical to helping our students build resilience and a sense of belonging, both in and outside the classroom.

Nutrition and Care
To ensure our students can focus on learning and feel cared for, we provide a nutritious daily meal every afternoon during the weekdays. For many of our students, this is an essential part of their day, helping to address food insecurity and improve concentration and overall well-being.

Looking Ahead
We are proud of the progress made so far and are committed to continuing our work to support these young people. Our goals moving forward include:

• Expanding our emotional wellness programs
• Strengthening partnerships with families and community organizations
• Increasing access to technology and virtual learning tools
• Continuing to improve academic outcomes through tailored support

Thank you to all our donors , volunteers, partners, and supporters who make this work possible. Together, we are building a future where every young person has a second chance to learn, grow, and succeed