What We Do: Educational Programs & Services, Community Development Panama
We serve over 1,000 youth per month through our educational programs & services. We have also helped with community development by building dozens of schools, community centers, playgrounds, water systems & other needed infrastructure. Our programs specifically target the lowest income and most marginalized communities of Panama which receive the least amount of resources and services from the government.
Escuelita
Our flagship preschool & kindergarten programs have served the youngest students in Bahia Honda and Bahia Roja since 2011. Our learn-through-play, Montessori-style early childhood educational programs ensure that children ages 3 to 6 have access to quality education so they don't fall behind their peers in larger mainland communities where the government provides preschool & kindergarten.
After-School Programs
We love to learn through play! Our after-school programs at our Bocas, Bastimentos & Cristobal serve hundreds of children each week and offer a safe, supervised place where children can learn, play & grow during at-risk out-of-school time hours. Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Embassy of Panama, there is an additional focus on STEAM and English classes/activities.
Summer Camps
January & February are school vacation months in Panama. To prevent learning loss and keep kids engaged, Give & Surf offers summer camp educational programs at our three community centers. These extensions of our after-school programs offer a wide variety of activities including: arts & crafts, STEM, sports, field trips, English classes & more!
School Lunch Program
It's hard to learn on a hungry belly! Give & Surf partners with Margo & Virginia of the School Meals & More Program to ensure that over 1,000 students at 11 public schools receive substantial, healthy lunches throughout the school year.
English Classes
English is always in high demand for both adults & children due to the growing tourism sector in Bocas del Toro. Give & Surf offers English classes weekly at our Bocas & Bastimentos Community Centers and various other English programs throughout the year.
University Scholarships
We provide scholarships to over 25 university students each year. These scholarships empower students from various islands attend university on the mainland in Changuinola, David, and Panama City by helping cover transportation, registration, school books, and other expenses.
Featured right: Noelia does her paramedic internship made possible by a Give & Surf scholarship
B.E.S.T. Vocational Training
Launched in 2023, the B.E.S.T. (Bocas Educacion de Servicio y Turismo) vocational training program provides free courses to youngs adults. These courses include basic skills related to the hospitality & tourism industries, such as restaurant server & hotel receptionist, as well as critical skills including writing a resume, English, and financial literacy.
Extracurricular Activities
Over the years, Give & Surf has offered dozens of other programs based on the specific needs & wants of the communities we serve. These have included: teen mentorship programs, computer literacy classes, surf lessons, health education, oral hygiene, various sports, vocational training, and more!
Featured right: Drew & Griffin lead the Surf Outreach Mentorship Program for teens from Bastimentos
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