More than 850 Panamanian students from across the nation pledged to guide their peers this weekend. The commitment came during a national gathering for the “Success” program, an initiative run by the country’s Ministry of Education (Panama).
Young people from all 16 of Panama’s educational regions attended the event. They participated in workshops designed to foster personal growth and leadership skills. The program aims to create a network of student mentors who can positively influence their school communities.
“Through these activities we seek to provide them with tools that allow them to strengthen their leadership, make responsible decisions, and become agents of change within their educational communities,” said Education Minister Lucy Molinar. [Translated from Spanish]
Minister Molinar toured several regional sites and connected with participants virtually. Her message underscored the government’s focus on youth development beyond traditional academics.
Combating Bullying Through Peer Leadership
A core objective of the program involves improving school climate. Student leader Nelson Cruz Torres explicitly connected the training to reducing incidents of bullying.
“This program seeks for all students to share, have good coexistence, and for bullying, which currently occurs frequently in the province, to decrease,” Torres stated. [Translated from Spanish] He believes trained students can then pass their knowledge to future generations, creating a sustainable model for change.
In Veraguas Province alone, approximately 40 students from various schools took part in the formative and recreational activities. Their participation highlights the program’s reach into diverse regions.
Student Testimonials Highlight Personal Growth
Seventeen-year-old Mercedes Ábrego from Urracá Institute shared her transformative experience. She called the workshops informative, educational, and dynamic. Ábrego has been involved since last year after attending an initial regional forum.
“I invite all young people to participate. It is a very beautiful experience. I used to be very shy and nervous about speaking in public, and this has helped me a lot to develop myself better, express myself more clearly, and also make new friends,” Ábrego said. [Translated from Spanish]
Her testimony points to the initiative’s impact on soft skills like communication and confidence. These are considered essential for both academic and future professional success.
National Director of Student Affairs Irving Rodriguez helped oversee the event. He noted the gathering exceeded expectations by uniting youth simultaneously across the country. The program operates under the national movement “Classroom Leaders for the World: Leaving Footprints.”
Participants included students from public middle and high schools. Through experiential dynamics, they reflected on personal histories and strengthened skills like positive thinking and teamwork. The next step requires these newly trained leaders to replicate the workshops in their own schools.
This peer-to-peer model represents a strategic shift in educational support. The ministry is betting that students guiding other students may prove uniquely effective. Officials anticipate the 850 ambassadors will now activate thousands more in a widening circle of influence.