Educate 89 inner-city youths and adults in Panama

Progress Report

Juntos Podemos Academy

August 2026

Transforming Lives Through Education

Juntos Podemos Academy continues to provide a second educational opportunity for youth and adults who were previously excluded from the regular school system. During 2026, the program has continued to grow, with more than 95 students actively participating in academic classes, workshops, and personal and professional development activities.

Growth in Enrollment and Impact

The increase in enrollment reflects both the growing needs within our community and the trust that students and families place in the Academy. Reaching more than 95 students represents not only expansion, but also a deeper commitment to providing consistent, high-quality support to young people and adults who need a flexible and inclusive pathway to complete their education.

Soft Skills and Emotional Management

Within the social-development component, students are participating in sessions focused on emotional awareness, self-regulation, empathy, assertive communication, conflict resolution, teamwork, and responsible decision-making. These activities help students recognize emotional triggers, express themselves in healthy ways, and build stronger relationships with classmates, family members, teachers, and future employers.

This work is especially important because unresolved emotional and interpersonal difficulties can affect attendance, classroom participation, family relationships, and successful educational and social inclusion. By learning practical strategies to manage their emotions and respond constructively to challenges, students are better prepared to remain engaged in the program and make positive decisions.

Socio-Emotional Support and Individual Follow-up

A structured mentorship and follow-up process continues to provide students with safe spaces to process personal and family situations. Teachers and mentors monitor changes in participation, behavior, and motivation, offer individualized guidance, and coordinate support with families when appropriate. This continuity strengthens resilience and reduces the risk of disengagement or further exclusion.

New Holistic Mentorship Class

This year, the Academy introduced a new Holistic Mentorship class to provide a structured space where students can identify and address personal, family, emotional, social, and vocational factors that may be affecting their inclusion, academic continuity, and overall well-being. The class combines guided reflection, values-based mentoring, goal setting, practical problem-solving, and individual follow-up.

Through this comprehensive approach, students are encouraged to recognize barriers early, strengthen their identity and sense of purpose, and develop realistic personal action plans. When a student requires additional assistance, the Academy can also facilitate appropriate social or professional support. This new class reinforces our commitment to educating the whole person, not only addressing academic needs.

Entrepreneurship Seminars and Workforce Readiness

As part of preparing students for employment and greater economic independence, the Academy is offering entrepreneurship seminars. Topics include identifying community needs, transforming ideas into products or services, basic budgeting and pricing, customer service, marketing, teamwork, responsible money management, and planning a small business.

These seminars strengthen initiative, creativity, confidence, and problem-solving skills. They also help students understand that self-employment and small enterprise can become realistic pathways to productive inclusion, especially for those who have faced barriers entering the formal labor market.

2025 Business Fair – Putting Entrepreneurship into Practice

The 2025 Business Fair provided an important practical foundation for this expanded entrepreneurship component. Supported by teachers and volunteers, students designed and managed their own product and service stands, applying creativity, responsibility, teamwork, communication, and initiative. The experience allowed them to connect classroom learning with real-life planning, sales, and customer interaction.

We Continue Transforming Lives

Thanks to the continued support of our partners and donors, students are not only advancing academically, but are also developing emotional stability, practical life skills, and clearer pathways toward employment and entrepreneurship. The progress achieved confirms that, when education is combined with social, emotional, and personal support, every student has the opportunity to overcome barriers, strengthen inclusion, and rewrite their story.

Together, we keep moving forward!