Coclé Project Briefing
June 23, 2008
Volunteers and Project Staff just finished a successful and enjoyable briefing in Coclé. All of the Volunteers arrived safely at Tocumen airport on the June 18. Volunteers spent a night in Panama City and then took a two-hour bus ride through the Panamanian countryside to arrive at the briefing site — Campamento Cuadrangular. The Volunteers seemed to enjoy the bus ride, taking in the mountainous landscapes and staring wide-eyed (if a little groggy) at the various hues of green that emerge on the trees during the rainy season.
The first two days of briefing were spent getting to know one another, exploring the specifics of the Coclé program, practicing Spanish, and generally getting settled in Panama. During this time the staff also placed Volunteers into partnerships of two or three and provided them with details about their new communities and host families. Many Volunteers were eager to hear about their soon-to-be host siblings, the soccer teams in their town and new foods specific to their communities.
On Saturday we were joined by a group of energetic youth leaders from Panama Verde, one of our partner agencies. These young Panamanians led the Volunteers in a day of energizers and team-building activities, helped them to feel confident and high-spirited before heading off to their communities.
We concluded the briefing with a bonfire and “noche de talento” (talent show) hosted by Panama Verde. The Volunteers demonstrated their talents as singers, dancers, rappers, and drummers. The fun of the bonfire and talent show also helped them to relax and enjoy themselves before heading off to community the next morning.
And head off they did. Our partners from the Ministry of Health showed up bright and early with pick-up trucks and mini-buses to take the Volunteers to their 24 communities in the region. Volunteers are now in the care of their host family and host community. Within a few days, Volunteers will be visited by their supervisors, who will check in with them and help facilitate a smooth transition into their new communities.
Project Staff is fortunate to have a group of responsible, creative, and adventurous Volunteers. After the time spent with them at briefing, expectations are high for a fun and productive summer in Panama.
