Panama Charities and Philanthropic Organizations – Volunteer Opportunities
Flickr Photo by Luis Cisneros
In today’s world, it so important and rewarding to give back to the community and help those in need. Panamanians are a caring people. They are very active in creating organizations to help make Panama a better place for all. Whether it be on a one-time or ongoing basis, so many of them strive to make a positive impact in the lives of those who need it most by volunteering or donating to charitable organizations. In Panama, there are many notable organizations that are making a genuine difference in the lives of thousands of people in the region. Boquete, in particular, is a small community that has a large number of people who are actively involved in helping others.
The energy, resources, and know-how brought by the thousands of expat arrivals have added to the efforts of the local Panamanians. Whether you’re an expat or a local, there are many opportunities to use your skills and talents to make a positive impact in the community. Enrich your life by giving back and join one of the many organizations in helping out. You will feel great and also make new friends; the kind of friends who have shown they care about other people.
Read more: Charities in Boquete, Chiriqui, Panama and Panama’s Environmental Organizations.
CAPTA
This organization provides personal and professional/vocational training to women from marginalized communities experiencing high levels of poverty. The program includes a psychological development component to empower women and raise self-esteem, followed by technical and vocational training that leads to employment in the hospitality industry.
Rotary Club – A variety of programs especially education
“We are 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and community leaders who come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world.”
20-30 Club of Panama
Summary: Nationwide service organization for young adults “ACTIVO 20-30 INTERNACIONAL tuvo realmente su inicio en 1922 cuando los jóvenes de dos ciudades norteamericanas muy distantes entre sí, puntualizaron la necesidad de crear un Club de Servicio destinado a la juventud adulta. Los socios de las organizaciones de servicio ya establecidas en aquellos días, eran por lo general, personas de edad más avanzada, notándose la ausencia de elementos jóvenes.”
Lions Club – A variety of charitable programs
“Our 46,000 clubs and 1.35 million members make us the world’s largest service club organization. We’re also one of the most effective. Our members do whatever is needed to help their local communities. Everywhere we work, we make friends. With children who need eyeglasses, with seniors who don’t have enough to eat and with people we may never meet.”
Fundacion Sus Buenos Vecinos
Sus Buenos Vecinos is the entity responsible for carrying out the social work of Banco General. It was created in 1996 to continue Banco General’s social commitment, which had been assisting vulnerable communities through support to non-profit organizations and humanitarian associations.
GEO-Paradise
GeoParadise is a public charity established in 2011, working with native communities globally to provide basic necessities, education, and support for art, culture, and civic engagement. Its main event, the “Tribal Gathering,” brings indigenous communities together to share, learn, and propose projects to improve their livelihoods while preserving their culture and environment. GeoParadise runs programs primarily in Panama, with a focus on indigenous territories and communities, and has also worked in several other countries in Central and South America. The organization aims to develop long-term sustainability in the communities it works with through cooperation with other non-profits, schools, foundations, and social enterprises.
Asociación Luz y Vida
Ceaspa
The Centro de Estudios y Acción Social Panameño (CEASPA) is a non-profit civil organization founded in 1977. Since its inception, it has focused its actions on the poor and excluded in Panama and the region, on social justice, and on the participation of people in building a better society. It has worked intensively through two areas, action-research and popular education.
CEASPA’s work aims to raise citizens’ awareness about true participation in order to improve and fully live within a democratic system, and to overcome marginalization by building the necessary awareness and capacities to transform their reality and improve living conditions.
Enlaces
This charity works with children and teenagers to transform their lives through contemporary dance and support for their academic development, psychosocial well-being, and family support. The goal is to equip them with the skills they need to improve their quality of life and become responsible citizens in their communities.
Juntos Podemos
This organization provides academic scholarships and food assistance to students at evening and night schools who may be facing environmental problems such as poverty and neglect. The goal is to help them overcome these barriers and have a more optimistic outlook on their future.
Asociacion Panamena para el Planeamiento de la Familia (APLAFA)
This charity operates seven clinics that provide healthcare services to mothers and newborns living in poverty, with the goal of reducing maternal and infant deaths.
Amigos de las Americas
Established in 1965, this non-governmental organization is dedicated to health promotion and education for families living in rural areas of Panama and other Latin American countries.
Go Waved
The Waved Foundation is a charity organization that helps children in Panama learn how to surf. Their vision is to empower students to be model citizens who are awake, happy and eager to learn, characterized by respect and a sense of responsibility in society. Their mission is to enhance psychosocial, physical and academic skills in students through an integral sports program. The foundation values enthusiasm, competition and continuity in its approach to helping children. The foundation provides the children with the opportunity to learn how to surf and develop their physical and mental abilities while having fun and enjoying the ocean.
Ciam
The Centro de Incidencia Ambiental (CIAM) is a charity organization that was founded in 2007 to address public interest legal actions in pursuit of environmental justice. They focus on strategic litigation, environmental impact, and promoting citizen participation. They provide free legal assistance to vulnerable communities affected by environmental issues and fight against environmental racism. They work with the media to disseminate information and denounce environmental violations. They rely on the support of the International Community Foundation and the David & Lucille Packard Foundation.
These are just a few examples of the many fantastic charities in Panama that are working to make a positive impact in the lives of those in need. Whether you are able to donate a little or a lot, whether in timeevery contribution can make a difference.