By Ma. Belen Montoto | Executive Director
The rapid proliferation of hotels and commercial establishments in Panama's historic Casco Antiguo is undeniably a positive development, but it also brings to light the pervasive issue of gentrification. As the area experiences significant transformation, it becomes increasingly imperative to ensure that the local residents are not left behind. It's crucial to equip the people with the skills necessary to actively participate in this burgeoning development, thus avoiding marginalization.
This scenario underscores the importance of tailored training programs designed to bridge the gap and ensure inclusivity. Particularly noteworthy is the opportunity these endeavors present for women, who can make substantial contributions to various sectors such as tourism, hotels, gastronomy, and general services.
The contrasts between the developed area of Casco Antiguo in Panama and its surrounding areas are stark and emblematic of the broader issue of uneven development. Amidst these disparities we recognized a huge potential. The residents of these surrounding areas possess invaluable skills, talents, and entrepreneurial spirit that, if nurtured and supported, could contribute significantly to the ongoing development of Casco Antiguo and beyond. By providing proper support, training, and opportunities, these individuals could become active participants in the local economy, driving innovation, fostering community resilience, and enhancing overall prosperity.
It is against this backdrop that, when presented with the opportunity to select a community for the implementation of a new CAPTA program, we opted to extend the invitation to women residing in Casco Anitguo and its surrounding areas. In March, we inaugurated the program with 45 remarkable women who demonstrated unwavering commitment, resilience, diligence, and dedication to successfully completing a rigorous 7-week job training program.
The pioneering efforts of Fundación Calicanto, rooted in Casco Antiguo, further emphasize this commitment to community empowerment. As the foundation's inaugural community, Casco Antiguo holds a special significance, not only for its historical value but also as the birthplace of the foundation's mission. Thus, the ongoing efforts to uplift the population of Casco Antiguo and its surrounding areas are not only a tremendous honor but also a source of great excitement for our team, highlighting the profound impact that Fundación Calicanto has on human capital development in Casco Antiguo.
Today, a new CAPTA cohort concluded the initial phase of our developmental initiative, graduating from CAPTA. Among the diverse range of training topics they received were:
We are thrilled to witness a fresh group of women feeling more confident, resilient, and empowered to continue learning and standing on their own two feet. With 73 graduating cohorts behind us, we are eagerly gearing up to launch another program—now aiming for number 74. Stay tuned, as we'll soon share exciting news about yet another graduation.
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