According to a press release from the Ministry of Social Development (Mides), the project gives citizens over 10 years of age, who did not attend school, the opportunity to learn to read and write.

The director of Mides, María Inés Castillo, stated that the program restores the rights of Panamanians, by providing them with a basic tool for growth, such as the alphabet.

In this sense, she assured that the current administration of President Laurentino Cortizo has set its sights on the most vulnerable populations, and is targeting groups that were excluded for many years, waiting for an opportunity to incorporate them into society as productive entities.

She also made a call to participate in the program in two ways: as a volunteer teacher or motivating those who are illiterate to enroll.

The literacy director of that portfolio, Carlos Contreras, informed that the initiative allows participants to join the general education system, through an alliance with the Ministry of Education.

The official recalled that the beneficiaries can enter the courses offered by the National Institute of Professional Formation and Training for Human Development, thus enabling them to enter the labor market.

He also pointed out that the success of the program is due to the fact that the classes are given in the students’ own environment, for which the teaching materials and equipment required are guaranteed, in addition to the training of the volunteer teachers, most of whom are relatives of the illiterate students.

jrr/jav/mem/ga.