Morro Negrito

Archive for the “Education Fund” Category

Getting to Know my Province, Chiriqui, Panama

Following on the success of last year’s school trip to Panama City, the Morro Negrito Foundation took the island children on another outing, this time to their own province of Chiriqui. Panamanians have a strong sense of pride for their provinces, and the Foundation thought this would be an opportunity for the children to see some important parts of Chiriqui. Led by camp manager, Jeff Healion, ten children and nine parents enjoyed a two day excursion of learning, fun, and exploration set to the theme of “Getting to Know my Province.”

Traveling by boat and bus, the trip included visits to the mountain town of Boquete and the provincial capital, David. The first stop was Paradise Gardens, an animal sanctuary and refuge in the cool highlands of Boquete, a thriving hub of coffee production and nationally famous for its coffee and flower fair. Here, we enjoyed interactive tours of monkeys, exotic birds, endangered mammals, and an enclosed butterfly park. Most all the animals at Paradise Gardens have been rescued and are awaiting release back into the jungle.

After a picnic lunch in Boquete’s main plaza, it was down to the warmer climes of David, Panama’s thriving western hub of agriculture, business, and tourism. The group visited Culturama, a historical and cultural society located in one of the oldest buildings in Chiriqui. We learned about local history and were treated to entertaining stories by one of the area’s best storytellers.

What is a field trip without a little down time, so we headed over to the theater and caught the new Disney holiday movie Enchanted followed by a stop at MacDonald’s. After dinner we went to see David’s new million-dollar plaza, probably the nicest plaza in Panama, if not Central America. The fountains and manicured gardens are beautifully lit at night. Just by luck, a local philanthropic organization was presenting a Christmas performance of dance, music, and holiday dramas in the park’s amphitheater. It was a lovely tropical evening and we enjoyed the festivities besides being tired from a day of busy events. Finally, we made it to a comfortable night’s sleep at Hotel Toledo.

Day two began with a fun breakfast at a popular downtown cafeteria where we were treated to a private reception room. From the restaurant we walked to the Sevillana Bakery where we enjoyed a full tour of the bakery’s back kitchens. In Panama, as in much of Latin America, the bakery still plays a major role in people’s daily lives. At Sevillan, fresh bread slides out of the ovens nearly all day.

A short walk from the bakery we stopped at city’s main fire station. Here we had a full tour of the facilities and then were treated to a simulated emergency call. We watched the firemen slide down the poles, put their suits on, and then leave the firehouse. Out in the driveway they stopped and started the hoses. The children loved the excitement and show. After some fun pictures with the firehouse staff, we were on our way to our final destination.

David’s International Airport is the second largest in Panama and Aeroperlas, the regional carrier, had invited us to board one of their planes as it was being prepared for a flight. Probably not something we could have done in many countries, we all boarded the plane, visited the cockpit, and then relaxed in the cabin seats while the flight attendants answered questions from the children. After our brief “flight” on the ground, the staff took us safely to the gate. Wow, what a thrill for the children.

With just a few hours left before we needed to begin our journey back to camp, we spent a few hours looking around the busy commercial district of David, bustling with holiday activity. In Latin America, so much of the activity begins out in front of the stores so just walking around the streets is fascinating.

It is hard to imagine how our trip could have been more fun, rewarding, or educational. Sure we arrived back at the island tired, but the children were still buzzing with excitement from the events and what they had experienced. If you could have seen the smiles and eyes during the two days, you would all know how rewarding it is to share with those that are less fortunate. During the holiday time, it was especially rewarding for us to share a magical treat with the children from our island. We would like to thank all of you who have helped with the Morro Negrito Foundation. Your caring made this wonderful trip possible. Thank you.

—Administrator | 1 comment
(posted in the Education Fund category)

“Hacia el Futuro,” or “Towards the Future,”

December 31, 2006

In late December, the Morro Negrito Foundation led a trip from the island school to visit the national treasures of Panama City. With a theme of “Hacia el Futuro,” or “Towards the Future,” the trip was for many of the participants their first travel outside the province and their first visit to the capital of Panama City.

Over a period of two days, the group of students and parents, led by Morro Negrito Surfguide Jeff Healion, traveled to the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal, the ruins of the first settlement of Panama, the Presidential Palace which included a surprise meeting with President Martin Torrijos, and the new continent-spanning Centenario Bridge. Along the way, the group enjoyed some out-of-the-ordinary treats of pizza, ice cream, and holiday shopping at the new Albrook Mall at the site of the former US Albrook Air Base.

The design of the trip was to bring the students in contact with the past, the present, and the future of their country through the ruins, the Canal, and the government buildings. The group enjoyed special presentations at each location. At the Canal, the group was treated to a private presentation of the Panama Canal movie and then witnessed two giant Panamax ships passing through the locks. Nothing could have been more surprising though than when Panama’s President pulled up just as the group was visiting his palace. With no one else around, he got out of his car to talk with the students. As he left for his office, he commanded his staff to give the group a special tour inside the palace.

Healion reported “the smiles, excitement and gratitude we saw during the trip were heartwarming reasons why we know the Foundation can do good work. “Hacia el Futuro” was a great success.”

The trip was the first of several projects the Morro Negrito Foundation will lead in an effort to bring social and environmental improvements to the island where the surf camp operates.

—Administrator | 3 comments
(posted in the Education Fund category)

Education Fund

A developed world business operating in a developing country should take on the social responsibility of bettering the lives of its workers and the lives of the individuals in the community in which it operates. With the aim of working locally to improve the world community, Morro Negrito Surf Camp has established a foundation to assist community members on Ensenada Island.

Local children have access to a very basic education at the small government school on the island where the surf camp is located. This education ends for the students at about age thirteen. If a student wishes to continue, the family must send the child to the high school on the mainland. For most families, the cost of transportation, food, housing, and school supplies is a great burden and many are unable to send their children, especially those with several children.

The educational assistance program will provide families with the funds necessary for supporting their children in higher education. Currently, there are five children studying off the island. In 2007, another two will be eligible to continue at high school if their families so decide. With the new program we hope that money will no longer be a factor whether families send their children.

The surf camp enjoys close contact with all the families that will be involved in the program and will be able to monitor the progress of the students. We have seen many of these children grow up and it is especially rewarding to know they will have new choices and opportunities for their futures. We know their ties to the island will always be strong but we also hope that by continuing their education their new paths will show them what a truly special place their home is. We know that because we are lucky to share the island with them.

-Jeff Healion

If you are interested in participating in this Education Fund for the children of the island, then please contact me for further information at educationfund@surferparadise.com

—Administrator | 15 comments
(posted in the Education Fund category)