PCPF Updates
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL PROJECT SUPPORTED BY PCPF
Congratulations to PCV Zach in the Comarca Ngabe-Bugle for successfully building rainwater catchment tanks in his community making it possible for 13 families to have access to potable water. Community members participated in the constructions of the tanks and learned how to maintain them to ensure the sustainability of the project. Felicidades Zach!
BUD KEITH FUND SUPPORTS FUTURE TOURISM PROFESSIONAL
Supports Since last March, PCPF’s Bud Keith Scholarship Fund for the Blind has provided a monthly stipend to Luis Ortiz, 45, a resident of Colón province. Luis worked in electrical construction until losing his sight to retinitis pigmentosa. To deal with his new situation, Luis has been attending rehabilitation classes at the Patronato Luz del Ciego in Panama City. There, he’s learned to travel independently using a cane.
Because he didn’t have an academic high school diploma, he couldn’t enroll in a university, so he enrolled in high school. Luis displayed so much determination and academic promise that the Patronato recommended him for a Bud Keith scholarship for his last semester of high school. He graduated at the end of June and hopes to study historical tourism at a university next year. If he does, we’ll provide a stipend.
Throughout all of this, Luis has had to eat, so he’s been working as a street vendor in Colón. He’s been living in a tiny apartment in Chilibre, which enables him to go to school in Panama City and, on other days, to work in Colón. The need to continue this routine has affected his university planning. The University of Panamá would require him to be on campus every day, so he’s looking for a university that fits his work schedule.
Luis is our third graduate of 2019. In April, Estefania Cubillos got her 4-year degree in
Journalism from the University of Panama, Mauro Ávila earned his Ph.D last Spring, and Geovanni Ibarra will graduate this year.
To learn more about the work of the Bud Keith Fund, or to donate, click here.
ATLANTA AREA RPCVs - PANAMA INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Attention ATL RPCVs, our Secretary LaTaurus is planning a night of delicious food and dancing to celebrate Panamanian Independence Day. Mark your calendars, get your sombreros ready, and be ready to celebrate because alcanzamos por fin la victoria!
When: Friday, November 8th at 7PM.
Where: TBD (more details to come in the November issue of el Bo)
ATTENTION DENVER AREA RPCVs!
Group 65 is having a mini reunion in Denver the weekend of October 4th. We are inviting all RPCVs in the area (no matter when you served) to join us for a happy hour!
Where: Avanti - 3200 N Pecos St, Denver, CO 80211
When: Friday, October 4th at 5PM.
Hope to see you all there!
News From Panama
PANDEPORTES INVESTIGATED FOR CORRUPTION
The Contraloría General de la Republica is being asked to investigate the use of government funds allotted to PanDeportes, the national sports league organization, under suspicion that the funds were not used appropriately. Find out more at La Prensa
PRESIDENT NITO CORTIZO SPEAKS FOR THE FIRST TIME AT THE UNITED NATIONS
In his debut speech in front of the UN, Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo speaks of dialogue that results in action. Listen to the speech here.
PORTOBELO PREPARES FOR THE FESTIVAL DEL CRISTO NEGRO
Every October 21st, the coastal town of Portobelo, Colón prepares for the traditional celebration and pilgrimage of the black Christ. Read all about the history of this famous event here.
Peace Corps Panama Updates
LIDERAZGO EN ACCION
Peace Corps Panama prepares for its 4th Liderazgo en Acción (LEA) seminar being held this October. The application-based seminar is inspired by PDM (Project Design and Management) and PML (Project Management and Leadership) and is divided into both novice and advanced levels to address the appropriate needs of counterparts. Stay tuned on social media for photos!
Announcements
Amazon Smile
Please support PCPF by shopping through Amazon Smile using the PCPF link. This does not cost anything extra to you nor does it impact the items that you can purchase. Amazon will donate 0.5% of your total purchase to PCPF.
Third Goal Activities
Do you continue to be involved in projects in Panama? Are you sharing your Peace Corps experience with other? We would love to feature you in the RPCV spotlight! Please fill out this this Google Form and let us know about the wonderful work you are doing.
Resources
Looking for RPCV Career Support?
Check out the PC Headquarters Career Center online or in person to help support you in finding your perfect career path post-service. Check out their web resources here .
Considering Grad School?
As RPCVs we are eligible for life to apply for grad school financial support through the Paul D. Coverdell Fellowship. Find out more about participating universities and their respective programs here .