We had a wonderful trip to Panama in February for our annual scholarship ceremony. This year’s trip was special because Katie, Brooks, Tim and Ari were joined by FFC board member Amy, who returned to Panama for the first time since studying abroad in 2009, and by Katy, the mother of FFC Treasurer Tim. We are so excited to share these 10 photos of the trip with you.
1. FFC Scholar Edgar earned a university scholarship this year to study Information Technology at the University of Chiriqui (UNACHI). During our visit with Edgar, we learned that he campaigned to be the student representative for the entire Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca at the Panamanian Student Congress. Unfortunately, he lost in a tight race but we are so proud of his drive and dedication to student interests. We went and visited UNACHI where he will be studying.
2. During the scholarship ceremony, university student Ronald Polanco and recent university graduate Luis Olmedo Gonzales participated in a panel discussion with FFC Secretary Brooks about the challenges indigenous students face when preparing for and attending college.
3. FFC scholarship winners Sindy, Emilia, and Xiomara C. share a laugh over their responses to our questions.
4. From left to right, FFC Vice President Ariadne Prior-Grosch, Board Member Amy Lamb, Volunteer Agripina Sandoya, President Katie Clay, Secretary Brooks Winner, Treasurer Tim Soo, Volunteer Ramon Pineda, and Volunteer Doris Gallardo.
5. FFC volunteers, parents, scholars, and board members after the scholarship ceremony.
6. FFC Secretary Brooks Winner reconnected with his host sister Yasmin who he stayed with in 2008 during his study abroad trip to Quebrada Guabo. Brooks’ connection with Yasmin and her family during his study abroad inspired him to co-found Few for Change with his classmates.
7. Hiking up to the village of Hato Ratón where many of our scholars live to stay with FFC volunteer Ramon Pineda and his family. The long pick-up truck ride and hike reminded us of the many transportation challenges our students face when going to school.
8. Although school was not in session (summer vacation), we were able to visit the school in Hato Raton that serves students from 1st through 9th grades. This classroom is representative of the classrooms that many of students study in until they reach 10th grade.
9. One of our new FFC Scholars, Fabian, lives at the top of the hill near FFC Volunteer Ramon’s house. We visited his house last year and are so excited that he was selected to receive a scholarship this year.
10. Rainbow over the Comarca! The stunning views of the Comarca from Hato Ratón were magnified by this full rainbow that was created by the mist flowing over the central mountains from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
