Survival Skills in Panama

Teenage girls who have been physically, sexually and mentally abused are getting close to aging out of the institutions where they live. Well aware of the violence in Panama and remembering the abuse they suffered, they are afraid of what their futures hold when they are on their own. Just Hope is working with local teachers and professionals to empower the girls with the “survival skills” they need to provide for themselves a chance at lasting independence. The girls learn foundational tasks of adult living, including everything from how to locate proper housing to how to pay bills and shop for groceries.This initiative also includes English language classes, as speaking English significantly improves their chances of finding a good job and securing a stable income.

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Current Needs

In Panama, the girls in the Survival Skills program are taking on the interviewing process. This is particularly significant because an individual’s family background is important to most employers. And, since the girls are orphaned, often times without a reputable family history, discussing their family and background is difficult and can be quite intimidating. The team is determined not to let the girls get overwhelmed and to help them build the confidence to discuss their past and to talk about themselves and why they would be a qualified, valuable employee. We ask God to give them strength as they work through this difficult process.

We pray for unity amongst all leaders in orphanages. The enemy is against any work that helps an orphan – who are at the center of God’s heart. We need prayer for everyone to work together with one heart.

We pray for the girls that are still very shy in public situations, and ask that they continue to gain confidence and self-assurance.

We ask for God’s direction as we pursue partnerships that can open more opportunities for the girls.

We praise God for the progress we are seeing in the girls’ lives, and for the dedication they are showing to the program.

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Most Recent Updates

June
30
2017

The Importance of Studying

  • Survival Skills, Panama
In Malambo, students discussed effective study guidelines and the importance of studying. They reviewed ways to develop positive habits and study routines for effective learning. Walkiria led discussions about things that can be distracting such as TV, music and cell phones. Some of the students shared that they limit the number of activities they participate in because it can take them away from their studies.
June
30
2017

Survival Skills Students Learn Money Management

  • Survival Skills field trip, Panama
Survival Skills students in Panama have been busy this month learning money management, building menus to fit within a budget and time management. Students from Colon went on a field trip to the supermarket and learned tips for creating easy, low-cost meals in addition to nutrition and shopping with a budget.
March
22
2017

Hero Spotlight: Hope and Survival Skills Erase Maritza’s Fear in Panama

  • Survival Skills Student, Panama
When Maritza was three years old, she lost her mother to AIDS. Shortly thereafter, she was taken to an orphanage by her father, who could no longer afford to care for her. A few years later, her father also passed away. A very shy girl, Maritza lacked self-confidence to such a level that she rarely dared to go outside of the orphanage. Last year, at 15, she began the Just Hope Survival Skills program. After only a year and with the support of teachers and peers like Cheryl and Walkiria, Maritza completely transformed. Read Maritza's story...
December
27
2016

Program in transition

The orphanage in Colon is under significant transition as the director, Sister Gloria, decides the next plan for where to move the girls who are 15 years old. The goal is to keep girls until they are in 9th grade (which is usually age 15) and then move them to other institutions in the community. Our teachers, Karen and Melva, are in the process of determining where the students are going to be sent and how they can still be involved in Survival Skills. The teachers have received strong feedback from the students that they want to continue the program so they know how to live independently once they graduate.
December
27
2016

Survival Skills students share their thoughts

Several of our students in the Survival Skills program in Panama wrote notes about what the program has meant to them and what they have learned. Click here to read a few highlights.
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