Panama is bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, and met by Colombia and Costa Rica at each end of it’s S shaped body.
Development in Panama
Strong economic performance has reduced the national poverty level to 29%; however, Panama has the second most unequal income distribution in Latin America. Panama has extremes of wealth and poverty with the wealthiest 20 percent of Panamanians controlling more than 50 percent of the country’s wealth, while the poorest 40 percent only control 12 percent.
Despite Panama’s relatively high income per capita (US$3,080 in 1997), poverty remains pervasive. Over one million people (37 percent of the population) live below the poverty line. Of these, over half a million (19 percent) live in extreme poverty. One-half of all Panamanian children are poor.
How You Can Help
As an international volunteer you can provide assistance to disadvantaged socio-economic groups within Panamanian communities, focusing primarily on orphaned children, animals, environmental projects and school children.
As a volunteer in Panama you can provide love, affection, education and support to orphaned children. You will help to improve education in schools ensuring children learn and flourish. Depending on your interests you can also contribute to recycling projects, working with the elderly, or handicapped and jewellery making.
You could also provide education, inter-cultural exchange and understanding in Panamanian communities.
Locations
Placements can be found in Panama City, David, Boquete and other rural areas.
The valley of Boquete is located in the western highlands of Panama at 1,200 meters above the sea level. Nestled amongst the country’s most mountainous region, this peaceful town is situated between the Caldera River and Baru Volcano.
Boquete is safe, beautiful, inexpensive and exciting. It can be easily accessed by 1 hour daily flights from Panama City to David (the country’s second largest city), and then a 30-40 minute car / 1 hour bus journey from here.
Popular Projects
Children
As a volunteer you have the opportunity to help children in need and aid in developing and inspiring their minds and hearts. These children seek love, attention, knowledge and education to empower them to have successful futures, free from poverty and filled with opportunities. This program works to create growth and development opportunities for children and teenagers with a focus on children living in orphanages, and those who come from low income families.
Placements may include: working in orphanages assisting with daily activities and childcare duties, helping with homework, running Saturday morning soccer & music classes. It is important to help in the way they need it. This could mean you will be helping with mentoring and playing with the kids, teaching in a classroom, working in the laundry, cooking meals, or feeding and bathing the children. As some of these projects are not full-time, volunteers must be able to join 2 to 3 projects to build a full-time schedule. This program is suitable for positive, caring, motivated, and self-directed people who have a love for children.
Literacy
The ability to read, write and speak English are increasingly important for many Panamanians in the workforce or those planning to enter the workforce. Volunteers have the opportunity to work as English teachers with the community of Boquete with both adults and younger students. The classes are offered one-on-one or in small groups. This role is suitable for an organized, patient, and self-motivated individual. A teaching qualification is not required, but volunteers need to be confident teaching English and preferably have or are studying towards a university degree.
Community Outreach
Our partner works with a number of small community based organizations which provide development services to enhance the local community. Volunteers have the opportunity to work with the disabled, animal & wildlife programs, medical and community recycling. As some of the projects are not full-time, volunteers may take part in a flexible schedule, which includes a combination of projects.
Centre for Disabled Children and Adults
Volunteers with relevant qualifications and experience have the opportunity to work in the centre for the disabled giving physical or speech therapy to both children and adults, and act as a mentor. Volunteers without such qualifications are welcome to participate here in a range of other activities, including playing games, pushing someone in a wheelchair, reading a book, helping with handicrafts, or just being available to lend a helping hand where needed. Basic Spanish is useful, but many of the staff members speak both English & Spanish. Long-term volunteers are encouraged to apply. Unless volunteers are suitably qualified, this is a part time placement (meeting as a group once per week) and volunteers will need to participate in other projects to complete their volunteering schedule.
Animal and Wildlife Projects
Volunteers will work with an animal refuge and educational centre that saves and provides a home for unwanted, abused, and abandoned animals, and also provides a long-term home for macaw parrots. Volunteers are needed to assist in caring for the animals, maintaining the center, increasing awareness, and providing valuable information to guests of the center. Volunteers with veterinary background can also help in a spay and neuter clinic.
Recycling
This is the perfect placement for all you environmentalists! Volunteers will work with an organization which is dedicated to educate school children about the environment & organize community activities & events. Volunteers are needed to assist with the school-based program and also with the collecting, sorting and distribution of materials.
Jewellery Project
The GEM Project is a multifaceted international jewellry-making empowerment program that inspires positive thinking, global giving and creative power for positive individual and social change. The GEM Project is currently working with mothers with children with disabilities and young pregnant teens who are struggling to care for themselves and their babies. The ladies join together on a weekly basis. Volunteers at this project will work with various aspects, including: program development, training, incorporating new jewelry designs, marketing of jewelry, fundraising and program administration. Volunteers need to be able to communicate in Spanish and have to have experience making jewelry to participate in the project. This project is for dedicated, creative volunteers who are innovative and positive thinkers. Please note, the GEM project is not available year round, as it is offered in 12 week sessions.
Entrepreneurship Development Project
Entrepreneurship Projects is designed for those who know what they are passionate about and have the desire and determination to move forward with their ideas. This project aims at giving you the connections needed to implement your ideas into serving the community. It is self driven, but our partner organisation is there to support you along the way.
FAQ
What else can I do in Panama?
Free from large crowds of tourists, visitors to Panama will enjoy discovering this beautiful country. Panama has no shortage of stunning beaches, mountains and rain forests to explore, along with its smattering of colonial towns home to exquisite handicrafts and the country’s friendliest people. Those looking to get further out and explore will enjoy trekking in the Parque Nacional Volcán Barú, home to Panama’s only volcano.
Language requirements
Many of the programs are run in both English and Spanish. If you are a native English speaker and have no Spanish speaking skills, we do recommend that you learn a basic level of Spanish before you start volunteering, as this will enhance your overall experience. Staff generally speak English, but the locals at your specific project may have very limited English. All volunteers participate in a Spanish language crash course included with orientation. Volunteers will have access to our partnering language school for additional lessons during their stay for an additional fee.
Spanish lessons
All volunteers have the option of adding Spanish classes to enhance their volunteer experience for an additional fee with partner schools. Also, volunteers can sometimes receive a discount off online Spanish lessons. This is not like other courses which give you pages of web material or recordings of various phrases to repeat. You will speak to, and see your instructor as he/she is giving you a private lesson, tailored to your level of Spanish.
What clothing is appropriate for the program?
Generally speaking, what you wear at home, you can wear in Panama. With that being said, as many variations of style differ, volunteers should dress appropriately at all times, according to the customs in Panama. Volunteers need warmer clothing for the nights (light long-sleeved shirts and sweaters, pants/jeans), and light/loose clothing for the day (t-shirts, shorts).
How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?
This will depend on the time of year and the project you choose. We try to place volunteers with at least one other at their placement if possible. There is room for up to 20 volunteers at any one time in the volunteer house.
Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement?
Volunteers from the majority of countries are automatically given a 90-day tourist visa on entry into Panama. If volunteers wish to stay longer than 90-days, they have the option of crossing the border into Costa Rica and re-entering Panama, where they will be given an additional 90 days. Alternatively, our partner can take volunteers to immigration in David where they can apply for an extension of their visa.
Will I need a police check?
As volunteering in Panama involves working closely with children and other vulnerable individuals, volunteers need to provide a police clearance document before volunteering commences. There are different types of police clearance but at minimum the check must include your full name and date of birth. Note, minor offences such as traffic infringements will not be taken into account. If you come from a country that does not issue police clearances for volunteer work, three character references from reputable sources (employer, justice of the peace, landlord, the minister of your local church, teacher, etc) may be substituted. Your character referees should know you well enough to vouch for your character.
What are the living arrangements when volunteering?
The majority of volunteers will live in either shared gender dorm rooms in a volunteer house, or more traditional home stays are available in certain areas. The volunteer house is equipped with basic western style amenities. There is a male and female dorm and one private room in the volunteer house. The home stay accommodation is more rustic than for those in Boquete. The Boquete Volunteer House can accommodate up to 13 volunteers. There is a male and female dorm and one private room. A homestay offers volunteers an amazing opportunity to practice Spanish in a natural, relaxed and authentic atmosphere as well as being in a unique and privileged position to get immersed in the Latin American culture, cuisine, customs and daily way of life.
What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?
This is a suggestion of what may be needed – please consult with your medical professional or travel specialist for more details.
• Hepatitis A & B
• Polio
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever
• Diphtheria and tetanus
• Rabies
• Meningococcal (meningitis)
• Cholera
• Malaria (see notes below)
• Tuberculosis
Malaria is not needed for Boquete or David. Discuss closely with your doctor if you plan to travel through the rest of Panama. Some of these can be taken in oral form so please discuss with your doctor to see what is best for you. Some people can be affected quite differently to others by medication.
Feedback & Reviews
“All I can say is that volunteering in a developing or 3rd world country is so rewarding for me. People thank us all time for doing this, but I really do think the volunteer gets more out of it.
As the children in the orphanage got to know us, they ran to meet us, to play with them. It was a real joy, and we only wish we could have stayed longer. But we know more volunteers would follow us to be with them.
I encourage people to volunteer, Panama, Vietnam, Philippines, Africa it does not matter, wherever you choose to go, you will be needed. It changed me, in many ways, it opened my eyes, made me thankful for the life I have. I want to continue doing this for as long as I am able.” – Hilda
“People can spend a lifetime searching for their passion and a sense of purpose. I am thankful for the Panama Volunteer Coordinators, two people who have found their passion and dedicate their being to service for others. Through them I have realized that I can make an impact. Boquete was my first true service experience, and thanks to Kaytee & Oscar, I will continue to pursue this newfound passion!” – Kristian
“Such a great organization!!! This was the best volunteer experience of my life. GVN’s partner organisation is doing such great things for the community. I think that everyone should be given the same opportunity that I had because it was life-changing. Keep up the good work!” – Meg
“I had an amazing experience in Panama. I chose to volunteer so I could get to know the Panamanians and their culture as more than just a tourist. I liked this program because of the amount of different projects i could get involved in. The Panamanians where very friendly and welcoming. I was involved in teaching English, volunteering at a teen centre and an orphanage. It was a great experince, volunteering in Panama. I met some amazing people who will be friends for life!” – Courtney
“In the short week I was there, I fell in love with Boquete, the kids, and I enjoyed all the volunteers I met, and of course Kaytee & Oscar. I’ve never felt more inspired and encouraged in my life. I am already planning my trip back for Spring Break, I can not wait! Katyee and Oscar make you feel so special, welcomed, and a part of their family. It’s truly amazing!” – Kelsey