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Educators Discuss Civic Education Issues in Panama

Tom Wallace, Florida Law Related Education Association, Judy Nugent, ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) Resource Teacher at Woodlawn Elementary School, Highlands County,  Jackie Brown, and Maria Elana, Dade County  have recently returned from a trip to the Republic of Panama where they served on a Dignitary Delegation to the Republic of Panama.  The purpose of the delegation was to discuss civic education issues. The delegation consisted of government officials, educational professionals and government leaders.  The delegates met with Panamanian government officials, university faculty, government representatives, teachers and students in order to discuss civic education issues.   FLREA   has been involved in the Civitas International Civic Education Exchange Program for the last nine years and partnered with Civitas-Panama.  This is a part of an international effort to advance democracy in Latin America through civics and citizenship education initiatives and encourage civic education in the schools.

The delegation was able to meet with the Minister of Education, and the Magistrados del Tribunal Electoral.  That is the Magistrates of the Electoral Tribunal.  These individuals work very closely with the schools to provide civic education in the schools and enrich the curriculum with civic education.  The delegation was able to visit 3 separate schools to view civic projects for the “Project Citizen” program.  The students were very excited about their projects and presented the civic issues to the delegation, teachers, parents, and other students.  The issues were very close to home.  One problem was some businesses selling alcohol to minors and another was cleaning up a park next to the school.  The students decided on the issue they would work on.  They then looked at all the current laws or city ordnances that referred to that issue.  They researched all the possible solutions in their quest and then set to resolve the problem.  It was an opportunity for these young students to be part of the community and have an effect on what could improve their homes and lives.   The students from each of the different schools presented their projects and were presented certificates and plaques for their achievements.   The Florida team  had an opportunity to see the schools, students, curriculum, and talk to the students and teachers.  They were very eager to share what they had accomplished and were very proud of the work they had done.

The members had an opportunity to visit three separate schools and view their “Project Citizen” programs which are available in their elementary, middle and high schools.  The students are encouraged to uncover problems in their community. They then research and discover what current laws and city ordinances are in place.  After choosing the best possible solution, they go about resolving the problem.  This program is an opportunity to be an active part of their community and directly affect what could improve their own homes and lives.  The issues they chose were first a business selling alcohol to minors near the school.  Second was cleaning up a nearby park where undesirables loitered.  Their quest was to make it safe and clean for children.  The third was a high school project about teen pregnancy.  These issues seem to be international.  Students shared the process they went through to resolve their projects and the progress they made.  This was very exciting for them to work as teams, to brainstorm, research and participate in community government. 

The delegation also had the opportunity to visit the Panama Canal at Miraflores.  The canal and locks are simply phenomenal-what an amazing piece of engineering!.  The canal also has a museum for visitors to view photos of the construction process and then to view ships passing through the canals..  The delegation was also able to view the ruins of the Antigua cathedral or ancient cathedral.  The delegation was also treated to a traditional dancing program.  The opportunity to visit another culture was very exciting and enlightening.  The children were so proud of their heritage and their schools. It was a great experience for the Florida educators involved in this cultural exchange progam.