Centro Las Claras: New Opportunity for Teen Moms

We are delighted to share with you an update on the progress of the Las Claras program over the past months — progress made possible thanks to your continued generosity and belief in our mission.

During this period, the program continued to provide comprehensive support to adolescent mothers and their children, focusing on four key pillars: emotional well-being, education, health, and early childhood development. Our aim remains to empower these young women to overcome adversity, complete their education, acquire vocational skills, and build a sustainable future for themselves and their families.

Some of the key achievements and activities from the past six months include:

• Personal and Professional Development: The young mothers participated in a variety of workshops designed to prepare them for the workforce and to foster personal growth. These included sessions on entrepreneurship, employability, financial literacy, crafting decorative arrangements, and improving their personal and professional image. Workshops also focused on practical skills such as CV writing, customer service, and interview techniques — equipping the girls with the tools they need to secure meaningful employment.

• Health and Well-Being: In collaboration with the local health center, we organized a vaccination campaign that ensured mothers and their children were protected against influenza and other preventable diseases. Additionally, our staff received training in first aid, further strengthening our ability to provide a safe and responsive environment for our beneficiaries.

• Educational Milestones: Many of the young women have successfully completed their high school education and obtained technical certifications in fields such as administrative assistance and computer systems. Several have already begun internships in the technology sector through our partnerships, and others have transitioned into formal employment — tangible evidence of the program’s impact.

• Cultural and Emotional Enrichment: We commemorated Black Ethnicity Month with poetry, dance, and cultural activities that fostered a sense of pride and belonging. The girls also participated in theater and creative writing workshops, helping them express their emotions, build confidence, and improve their communication skills.

• Support for Their Children: Throughout this period, the children of our beneficiaries continued to receive early childhood stimulation sessions, designed to support their cognitive, motor, linguistic, and social-emotional development. These efforts ensure that both mothers and children have the best possible foundation for a brighter future.

Thanks to these initiatives — and to your invaluable support — the young women have not only advanced academically and professionally but have also developed resilience, self-confidence, and critical life skills.

Your contribution enables us to continue accompanying these adolescent mothers on their journey toward independence and well-being, breaking cycles of poverty and vulnerability for both them and their children.

On behalf of all of us at Voces Vitales de Panamá and the entire Las Claras family, thank you for standing with us and for believing in the potential of these young women. Together, we are transforming lives and building a more equitable future.