Panama
Proniño in Panama began in 2000 with 300 children, increasing to 800 in 2006 and 1,000 at the end of 2007. For 2008 the goal is 2000 children benefiting from the program.
This work is carried out in partnership with Casa Esperanza, which implements the program of school scholarships, nutrition, health, training workshops for teachers and families, and recreational activities.
In terms of Integral Protection work involves four different intervention strategies:
Integral Assistance Centres: Beneficiaries attending integral assistance centres receive from 4 to 5 hours a week of study run by educators, outside school hours. Children are also educated in nutrition, person and social development, recreational activities and health care when necessary.
Community Assistance: the working team promises an educator and a social promoter who makes weekly visits to children in their community.
Community Education Centres, where educators provide three hours of guided study and school financing to children after morning classes. This is carried out particularly in indigenous areas.
Extra-curricular tutoring: given by teachers from schools who are trained in the issue of child labour.
The Proniño program is designed to give children a comprehensive education at the same time as involving teachers and parents in training and workshops that reinforce relevant aspects for the proper development and fulfilment of the program.
In line with the needs indicated, at the beginning and throughout the school year, subsidies will be given to each beneficiary for the purchase of basic educational materials such as: uniforms, materials, educational tools, transport costs to guarantee admittance to the school, attendance and continuity.
With respect to nutrition, this varies depending on the type of intervention, from food supplements being provided during tutorials, daily meals at community educational establishments to 2 meals a day at integral attention centres.
Attention is paid to health to detect and treat common ailments, while in addition beneficiaries are educated in health, sexual and reproductive health, the rules of life and responsible sexuality.
The children who require it will receive psychological help with a view to early detection of any learning difficulties, and may be offered guided study.
As additional training, beneficiaries receive four hours a week of guided study, supported by educators. Children having difficulties with key subjects will receive four additional weekly catch up sessions.
Eduational workshops on Values, aimed at encouraging a positive viewpoint, values, participation, goals, communication and inter-personal skills.
Extra curricular activities: Sports and recreational meetings are held every two weeks, to achieve healthy recreation, the exchange of positive experiences and best practices.
Workshop for educators: Educators are also trained in teaching techniques, active methodologies and cooperative education.
Awareness-raising workshops for parents or tutors: Parents and tutors will receive family guidance and training through workshops, with the aim of boosting self-esteem, appreciating themselves more, and knowing how to make the most of education as a means for children to overcome their problems, and a way of preventing child labour.