Ministerio de Salud de Panamá

This government agency is responsible for providing health services in Panama. Although this agency conducts many different health-related programs, AMIGOS works directly with the department of health promotion with a focus on youth development. The Ministerio de Salud de Panamá helps AMIGOS select and prepare host communities, locate host families, and provides medical care for Volunteers when needed.

For more info about this agency, see the website.

Panamá Verde

Panamá Verde is a non-governmental organization that works to form youth groups in small communities to plan and execute environmental and health related projects. Panamá Verde’s three-part mission is almost identical to that of AMIGOS—environmental health, service work in impoverished communities, and youth leadership. AMIGOS Volunteers will help to initiate community youth groups that can then be integrated into Panamá Verde’s countrywide network. Panamá Verde supports AMIGOS Volunteers with training and contributes to the sustainability of AMIGOS projects by continuing to work with the newly-formed youth groups after Volunteers depart.

For more info about this agency, see the website.

Ministerio de Desarrollo Social (MIDES)

The Ministry of Social Development (MIDES) is a government agency that is responsible for social and economic development at the regional and national level.  It specifically targets priority and vulnerable groups, such as women and children.  Currently, they are running two major campaigns to promote literacy (alfabetización) and to create a culture of volunteerism (voluntariado).  Although AMIGOS Volunteers will not work directly with these programs as literacy volunteers, they will be working closely with MIDES volunteers to promote community service and volunteerism in their community.

For more info about this agency, visit the website.