Panama Global Connections

2011-08-18T21:27:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has spent any time in another country knows about adjustments and acculturation. Missionaries spend years, sometime a lifetime, in a culture very different from their native of "home" culture. For a century foreign missionaries lived and worked in Korea. I was the child of Korea missionaries. It took me many years to realize all the ways that the Korea experience impacted my life.

My book is being published. Special early bird price is available until Oct. 1. You can order online http://www.kirkhouse.com/Books/An_Intricate_Tapestry. Part of the proceeds go to support the important health and nutrition projects of Christian Friends of Korea in North Korea: http://www.cfk.org/

The book is a collection of stories, observations, and memoirs from many of the Korea missionaries and missionary kids. I have woven their stories with my own to explore our adventures in acculturation.

Since leaving the mission life in Korea I have traveled extensively and lived outside of the United States again. Although the stories in my book are specific to Korea, anyone who has traveled or lived in another country can relate. Many immigrants and refugees have their own acculturation stories and struggles. I see many parallels between my own life and those of the foreign families I care for in the clinic.

Donna Sidwell DeGracia

Religious Differences

2011-04-01T16:47:00.000-07:00

THE NEWS TODAY SADDENED ME. Apparently a minister in Florida burned a Koran last month. Today people in a town in northern in Afghanistan retaliated by attacking a United Nations post. When I heard the news I recalled a conversation I had earlier today with a Somali co-worker regarding our beliefs. We often have similar conversations and usually are in agreement as we find references in our perspective religious writings that support the same principles such as "Thou shalt not kill", "love thy neighbor as thyself", "judge not, lest you be judged", etc.

Maybe it is because I am the child of missionaries and grew up surrounded by Confucian traditions and Buddhist beliefs that I am comfortable with differences. But, honestly, I have found more similarities than differences. My wish for the world is that we could all get to know people who are different from ourselves on an every-day basis, learn to love them as our brothers and sisters, and see the world through their eyes. If we could do that, we could do away with the need for wars. There would be no more refugees other than those caused by the whims of nature...Maybe then the "Imagine" world of John Lennon could become a reality. Let's try.

Latest newsletter

2011-03-21T20:16:00.000-07:00

The newest Panama Global Connections newsletter is available at: http://www.panamaglobalconnections.com/. Learn more about our January trip and plan your own trip with us.

Vulnerable natural resources

2011-02-17T17:45:00.001-08:00

Panama has changed and grown a lot since I was first there in the early 1980s. While growth can be good, some in Panama are worried about the future and the rape of natural resources and natural habitat and ecology in the name of progress. The unspoiled beauty, ancient cultures, and biodiversity are all vulnerable. Panama Global Connections believes that education and global awareness are the only way preserve these national treasures before it is too late. We support the efforts of the many groups in Panama who work to preserve all that is beautiful and unique in the tiny country bridging the Americas.

Panama Canal eco-tour

2011-02-07T09:54:00.000-08:00

An eco-tour of the Panama Canal is a little different from your traditional canal tour. You don't get to actually go through the locks. Did you know that the cheapest transit through the canal was $0.50. In the 1920s someone swam the canal. The swimmer weighed 150 lbs. and was charged according to his weight. These days the minimum charge is $500.00.

On the eco-tour we boated through other parts of the vast canal waters where we could easily see the ships transiting the canals, the on-going canal widening projects and a lot more. We visited several different monkey islands, each with a different kind of monkey, and had the opportunity to feed some of them peanuts or bananas.

After a substantial lunch and a rest in a hammock on a large house boat we were ready to set out by kayak for the 1 km trip to our swimming hole - complete with a water fall. What a great way to see the famous Panama Canal and to learn about the history, the geography, and the ecology.
See more pictures on facebook: conexiones de Panama

Old French Quarter, Panama City

2011-02-03T11:47:00.000-08:00

The French Quarter dates back to the building of the Panama Canal. It is still a beautiful and vibrant part of Panama City. A favorite tourist spot is San Jose Church where the alter made of gold survived the many pirate invasions because the quick thinking residents of the city covered the alter with black mud to disguise it's value. We were lucky enough to catch the annual international jazz festival as well as the Panama canal museum, the scenic view of the canal, and some great shopping all in one afternoon. See more pictures on Facebook: Conexiones de Panama.

Panama Global Connections Volunteers

2011-01-31T13:53:00.000-08:00

One of the highlights of our recent trip to Panama was also one of the most difficult. Panama Global Connections incorporates service into all trips. This time we volunteered at Hogar Trisker, a home for orphans and other children who could not live at home for various reasons. As a medical group our assignment was to conduct a small workshop for staff. The aim was to give the staff a little more knowledge that might help them care for their vulnerable wards. This experience was hard for some members of the group for several reasons. For some it was an experience that took them out of their comfort zone into a world where children slept four to a bed and shared everything right down to their head lice. For others who took this opportunity to practice their Spanish, it was a stretch to give a presentation without the use of an interpreter.

Everyone was impressed by the dedication of the staff. Their love for the children was evident. The staff members from the night shift stayed over several hours to attend our workshop. After talking with them and visiting the home we came away wanting to do more. It is difficult when you are not on site all the time but , Guadelupe, the volunteer coordinator from Habla Ya is committed to the site and is open to new ideas. We hope to work with her, and with the staff of Hogar Trisker, more in the future to harness the experience and talents of Panama Global Connections groups to help the children towards a brighter future.

Look for a feature story about Hogar Trisker in our next Panama Global Connections newsletter.

Our private island

2011-01-25T19:40:00.000-08:00

Have you ever dreamed of having your own private tropical island? That dream came true for our little group on the weekend of January 8-9, 2011. It was a truly magical weekend complete with coconuts dropping from the trees and a breath-taking sunrise. We swam in crystal clear water, hiked through the jungle to another beach, and boated off to a different island for snorkeling. Some of us even slept on cots under the stars. It's amazing how many stars you can see when you are far away from civilization.

Isla Parida is a private island in the Gulf of Chiriqui. We took a deep sea fishing boat from Boca Chica to the island where we stayed in a private lodge. Our food was cooked on an outdoor grill. We ate and lounged on the deck. It was a wonderful break from daily Spanish lessons, but of course our homework went with us.

Home Stay

2011-01-23T21:57:00.000-08:00

There is no better way to get to know a new place than to stay with a local family. On our recent trip to Panama we took a small group so we did a modified home stay at Casa Pedro. The family runs a bed and breakfast that literally opened their home to us. We shared meals, information, and lots of laughs. We made cookies and pancakes and they shared their home grown coffee and some wonderful Panamanian meals. Pedro made sure we weren't over-charged for transportation and everyone, including 3-year-old Peter, helped with language learning. Our "home stay" was a true high-light to our stay in Panama. It made the trip much more than a typical tourist adventure.

I talked with one woman in Boquete who has hosted Spanish language students for years. At the time she was sharing her home with a Polish man who was married to a Panamanian woman and a young German man who was part of a group of students from a floating school that had traveled by sail boat for three months from Germany to Panama. She talked about many of the visitors she had over the years and how some of them were still part of her life - almost like family.

The home stay concept fits well with Panama Global Connections mission to facilitate relationships between individuals, organizations, and cultures.

Boquete Panama

2011-01-22T14:15:00.001-08:00

I always thought that the name, "Boquete" meant a bunch of flowers. That certainly would have been an appropriate name for this beautiful mountainous section of Panama, famous for flowers and coffee. But the name "Boquete" actually comes from the indigenous language and means a hole or indentation. Boquete is surrounded by mountains. Panama's highest point, a volcano, is visible from almost anywhere in town. The scenery is breathtaking.

They say that it is always Spring in Boquete. It is cool in the mountains and there is plenty of rain to keep the coffee and the flowers growing. Rainbows are an almost daily occurrence there. Our group was amazed by the double and even triple rainbows we saw, but the local residents hardly paid any attention at all. They had seen it all many times before.

See more of Boquete on our facebook album at Conexiones de Panama

2011-01-22T13:22:00.000-08:00

Just back from Medical Spanish in Panama (January 4-18, 2011). Studying Spanish on site makes all the difference. After the first day one student commented, "That was the best Spanish lesson I ever had." Besides the instructors who speak only Spanish to students, students have to use their language in a variety of settings from restaurants to home-stays to transportation, to volunteer activities. They hear Spanish spoken around them constantly. Everyone was amazed at how much they learned in such a short period of time.

Panama Global Connections collaborated with Habla Ya Spanish school in Boquete to combine language study with a variety of other activities in Boquete and other locations in Panama. Follow this blog for details. Pictures corresponding to each blog can be found on facebook at Conexiones de Panama.

Spanish classes were a combination of individual lessons and group lessons. Groups consisted of 2-4 students who had comparable language skills. The school also arranged other activities such as the Thursday night Charity Quiz at a local bar and the weekly typical Panamanian dinner.

Our group also participated in a number of different activities arranged by Panama Global Connections that allowed us to see more of what Panama has to offer. Stay tuned for more details.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T20:26:00.000-08:00

The Holidays are times for families to get together and enjoy each other and celebrate our many gifts. It is also a time to watch our children and grandchildren as they grow and develop and to teach them our traditions and values. As we start the new year of 2011 let's not only count our blessing and give thanks for all we have, but also to mindfully teach our children traditions that will help them to grow in compassion and in stewardship towards one another and the world we inhabit.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM PANAMA GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

2011-01-01T20:22:00.000-08:00

Latest newsletter available at: http://www.panamaglobalconnections.com/
Join us in Panama next summer. Sign up to receive the quarterly newsletter at pgc@panamaglobalcnnections.com and/or stay in touch on facebook: Conexiones de Panama.

Korea Report: Voices for Peace in Korea Grow

2010-11-29T06:08:00.000-08:00

Korea Report: Voices for Peace in Korea Grow
The present escalation of hostility has many concerned. Those of us who witnessed the devastation of the war in Korea in the 1950's are especially alarmed. This is not a time to respond to violence with more violence. It is a time to pause and reflect on the causes and consider the consequences. Our money and effort would be better spent fighting hunger and disparity instead of fighting for world domination and power.

Don't think that God is as simple as you are

2010-11-16T17:22:00.000-08:00

Religion is arguably the most powerful force in the world. . . That can be a good thing or a bad thing. With each major religion claiming exclusive rights to "the truth" conflict is inevitable. Until we can relinquish those claims and recognize that God is bigger and more complex than we can imagine, that S/He cannot be boxed in to our narrow categories, we cannot get beyond the conflict to the compassion that will make us whole. Just as there are many languages to express our thoughts, there are just as many ways of recognizing God. The trick is to learn to recognize God in the face of the stranger. Our religions teach us to love our God above all else and to love our neighbor as ourselves, but we often neglect to broaden our "neighborhood" to include others who are different from us. If we can enlarge our definition of "neighbor" we can not only learn and grow, but can even strengthen our own unique identity, not loose it.

I am sickened and saddened by the divisiveness of global society. As our world becomes more interconnected the religions of the world need to stand together to work for the good of humanity. In my own small world I work side by side with persons from different cultures and religions and am daily blessed by the richness they bring to my life. Why can't we find that same complementary effect when the religions and cultures of the world meet on the larger national or global stage?

The Oberammergau vow and 911

2010-09-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

In the 1600s the plague raged through Europe. The tiny village of Oberammergau in German's southern Alps was not excluded until the people of Oberammergau vowed to protray the "Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ" every 10 years. From that moment on, not one person died from the Black Death.

Since then the town has put on the play every 10 years. It started out as a small production in the graveyard but soon became too big for that venue. Now it is presented in as special auditorium with a 40 piece orchestra and
a choir that rivals any opera. The play is a five-and-a-half extravaganza that is beyond description.

After attending that amazing production of the passion of Jesus Christ it is painful to hear the hate rhetoric of so many supposed Christians towards other religions and peoples. Regardless of our religious affiliation, we need to return to the core values of our beliefs and stop distorting our religion into a vehicle of hate and violence.

This year on the anniversary of 911 I would like to see us take a vow, like the people of Oberammergau did in 1633, to remember this event with some sort of reminder or celebration that promotes peace and reflects our core values that will, in the end, finally make this world a place where all of us can live and worship with joy.

Prelude to the Oberammergau play of the passion of Jesus from Nazareth:

Welcome to all,

who with us follow the Savior,

who came to heal what was wounded

to save what was lost!

The Holy One animates us

with the Spirit of Heaven,

he brings his peace to us,

teaches us to believe, love, hope.

Those who trust him find life.

So take this play as testimony

from us as grandchildren of those

who through him found help in need!

See how he takes all the burdens of Eve's children

upon his shoulders ho - struggling, suffering,

dying - he opens wide the doors

for us to our Father

Unexpected Encounters

2010-09-07T19:25:00.000-07:00

One of the joys of travel is the unexpected encounters with persons who touch your life or, conversely, the opportunity to touch the life of someone else. These are often brief encounters with persons you may never see again, but they live on in your memory and contribute to your general well-being.

I had one such encounter on the night train to Munich. We really would have rather traveled in the daytime and stopped to visit some of the scenic places along the way, but misinformation put us on the night train from Rome to Munich. We started out as four in our compartment: myself, my husband, a middle aged Italian woman who slept most of the trip and Ana. Ana was a young Russian woman who worked in fabric design in Milan and Rome. She seemed reluctant to tell me where she was from, as if that answer had met with bad reactions in the past. At first she was kurt and guarded, but as we shared our food with her and admired her choice of Russian authors (she was surprised I had heard of them) she relaxed. She was a smoker and each time my husband left for a cigarette she followed-closely, seemingly feeling protected. A pretty young girl traveling alone at night can be an easy target.

There was nothing dramatic about our encounter. Just a few hours that moved us from strangers to comfortable traveling companions with the shared experience of the night train to Munich.

As our compartment filled up and the night wore on there was little opportunity for conversation, especially as I spoke no Russian and Ana spoke very little English, but it felt good to know that we had made a young immigrant feel safe and cared about for just a little while. When we arrived in Munich my husband helped her get her bag down and she disappeared.

Over many years and many countries I have had many brief and unexpected encounters. Some have been much more profound than the night on the train to Munich, but even the little ones are bright spots, affirmation that the world is really a wonderful after all.

Religious Fervor

2010-09-02T17:46:00.001-07:00

Rome is the center of the Catholic Church. We visited the Vatican on our first full day in Rome. Right away we noticed that there was a beautiful Church on almost every block so on Sunday we decided to visit one of the many Churches near our hotel to celebrate Mass. We had passed this particular Church many times but had not been inside. It was beautiful. The main part is a museum and was full of tourists taking pictures. Mass was held in an equally picturesque chapel off to the side of the main sanctuary. We stood at the back until we were able to find a seat just before communion. As we knelt to pray an little old Italian woman stormed up to a young immigrant woman who had just received the host and began yelling at her, disrupting the service until the acolyte came down from the pulpit to settle the dispute. It seems that the young woman, not familiar with the strict communion practices of Rome, had touched the host with her left hand.

This was not the first time I had observed an altercation during mass. One Easter Sunday there was actually a fist fight in our local Catholic church between an older man and the father of a teenager who was not behaving in church the way the older man thought was appropriate.

I am alway appalled when I see this type of behavior in Church. Why does religion give people a sense of entitlement and superiority? A religious practice is just that... a practice or tradition. If I were that young woman in Rome I would never enter that church or any other Catholic Church again. Who really committed the greater sin, the woman who did not understand that she was not allowed to touch the host with her left hand and may have unintentionally disrespectful; or the other woman who scolded her in public and disrupted the celebration of his son with her outburst?

No Frills Medical Spanish

2010-08-31T17:33:00.000-07:00

We have had a lot of interest in the Medical Spanish program we advertised for January 2011, but the trip was too expensive for some so we have added a "no frills" option that cuts out some of the more costly side trips and concentrates solely on the learning aspects of the trip You can choose either option. Contact pgc@panamaglobalconnections.com for more information.

The little things

2010-08-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it is the little things you do that make the greatest difference.

My clinic has recently started doing refugee screening exams. One day a single mother and her three children came in for their physicals. The youngest child was four years old. With my Somali nurse interpreting, we learned that they had only been in the U.S. for 2 weeks and had been given an apartment, but were otherwise pretty much left on their own. They had been out of food for over 24 hours and had no idea what to do. The first thing I did was grab the orange from my lunch for the kids and then had our social worker help them get in touch with a community center with services for Somali families.

The next week a Somali dad came in with his family. Their ride to the clinic had arrived early and the children had not had time for breakfast. Luckily I had another orange in my lunch that the kids could share.

Today again we had a family with a hungry child. This time we were able to offer a choice between an apple and an orange.

We really didn't feel we were doing anything out of the ordinary, but I heard that last night at the local mosque there was a mention of the many refugees arriving in St. Paul and of a clinic where a white woman and a Somali girl gave oranges to hungry children.

We often think we can't do anything about the huge problems that face our world, but even the little things can make a big difference, especially if a lot of people do a lot of little things.

One thing I am learning as I care for the new refugees is a little about parasitology. The prevalence of giardia and schistosomiasis is a reminder of the importance of clean water for maintaining health. It is also a subtle reminder that the clean water we take for granted and often waste is a luxury in many parts of the world.

Even turning the water off while we brush our teeth or not running the dishwasher until it is full can make a difference. Or how about asking our family and friends to donate to an organization that helps communities have clean water instead of buying us useless gifts and expensive cards.... Just a thought

Water Consumption

2010-08-22T19:00:00.001-07:00

One thing we noticed throughout Europe was ecology friendly innervations. When we camped in Spain we were impressed by the showers that shut themselves off after just enough time to get you wet. As a matter of fact all the showers we used throughout Europe were easy to shut off and turn back on so that you could turn them off while soaping and shampooing. Many toilets had controls for small flush or big flush depending on the need. Many houses had solar panels. We came home determined to change some of our wasteful habits. We have several old appliances that will need to be replaced soon. We will be looking for energy efficient models. While we are all aware of energy consumption and global warming, we probably don't pay enough attention to our water usage. Clean water is becoming more and more scarce. We need to start regarding it as the treasure that it is.

Southern Spain

2010-08-21T21:22:00.000-07:00

Southern Spain is incredibly beautiful with clear turquoise waters viewed from lofty cliffs, but there are a few little things you should know if you plan to travel there:

1. The water is VERY salty

2. The Spanish eat as specific times. If you are trying to find a place to eat at a different time... you are out of luck.

3. The breakfast menu is limited to two beverages: coffee or beer; and two basic foods: meat and cheese sandwich or croissant

4. A tortilla is a cold egg and potato omelet

5. If you are planning to camp make sure you have a padded matt. The camp grounds are gravel... not very comfortable to sleep on with only a blanket under you.

Wouldn't have traded the experience for the world

Diversity...imigration...prejudice...hate

2010-08-20T05:15:00.000-07:00

One of the first things I noticed in Europe was the diversity. Our flight from Paris to Lisbon made all announcements in 3 languages, but there were many more being spoken on that plane. It was immediately evident that Europe, like the United States, has become a melting pot. But it was also evident that prejudice is alive and well throughout the world. From Italy to Australia "boat people" and immigration issues have become political hot topics. Immigrants are straining the seams of Panama City, Panama straining the local resources and frustrating citizens.

In Europe we saw prejudice first hand. Fernando (darker skin and non-U.S. passport) was treated differently than Donna (white with U.S. passport). We noticed other dark-skinned travelers often being greeted with frowns and sharp words rather than smiles.

We returned to the United States to a barrage of media coverage of President Obama's support for the freedom of religion for Muslims. Freedom of religion is why the pilgrims came to this country. Why is it newsworthy that the President supports this particular freedom? Are we really afraid of terrorism or is our prejudice showing? If we relate a specific religion (one that has it's the same roots as Christianity - by the way) with terrorism we are either ignorant or ill informed. I fear that we have a deeper fear - one of anyone whose skin is darker than ours or dresses differently. Hmmmm - I think this might have been an issue for the Nazis as well. More on that when I get to the end of our Europe trip - Dachau, Germany.

I work every day with immigrants and refugees. They come from around the world seeking refuge and a better life. These are people who have been through horrific traumas. All they want is peace and prosperity for their families... the same things most of us want. Is it right that instead of finding the freedom they seek they are met with prejudice and hate?

European vacation part 1

2010-08-15T16:25:00.000-07:00

We recently vacationed in Europe. We had originally planned to rent a car and drive from Portugal to Germany. . . that was until we found out what the charge was to rent a car in one country and drop it off in another. We decided instead to just go and play it by ear, learning as we went. Over the next few weeks I will be posting photos on facebook under Conexiones de Panama. I will add details and stories here.

We started in Lisbon, Portugal. We got off the plane and got on a bus with no idea where we were going. Our adventure had begun. We got off when we saw other people getting off, betting that it would be a nice area for tourists. We were right. What a beautiful place! Lisbon is on my short list of places to return to. While some of the food was a little bit of a disappointment, the pastries in Portugal are to die for. We spent more than a little time hunting down recipes. Look for some of those later on when we have had an opportunity to tweak them a little.

The people were friendly, hospitable, and helpful. Whether we were combing through book stores for recipes or trying to figure out how to get to our next destination, everyone was more than willing to help. The blue-eyed "Princess of the castle" (we came up with that title when we learned she lived near the castle-like church on the hill) who worked at the reception desk of our hotel went above and beyond to help us find out how to navigate the transportation system to our next stop and she did it all with smiling humor.

We noticed right away that there was no obesity despite pastry shops and/or wine tasting on almost every corner. Once we walked up and down the hills of Lisbon we understood why. Speaking of wine tasting - the home-made cherry wine sold in Dixie cups on the corner is a treat, especially the fermented cherries in the bottom of the cup.

See more pictures on facebook: Conexiones de Panama

2010-06-15T16:57:00.000-07:00

PGC and Habla Ya language school are collaborating for a medical Spanish course in beautiful Boquete. This is a family friendly experience. Habla Ya has experience teaching children as young as 2 years old and will be happy to craft language classes for non medical family members and friends. For more information contact pgc@panamaglobalconnections.com.

New Medical Spanish Course

2010-05-15T18:04:00.000-07:00

Come join us this winter for Medical Spanish and much more in Boquete, Panama. The course will include language instruction, simulations, and service as well as an opportunity to visit local sites and learn about the health care system in Panama.

Find out more: pgc@panamaglobalconnections.com. Let us know if you would like to be added to our mailing list for our quarterly newsletter. There is always something new.

Medical Groups Traveling to Panama

2010-04-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

Medical missions are popular. Health care workers from all over the United States and the world enjoy donating their time and skills while traveling to new locations that are often not the usual vacation spots.

But mission trips can also be frustrating. Language and culture can make communication difficult. Housing and food issues can make the hectic work seem even harder. Some groups even arrive in country all ready to go to work only to find that they do not have the proper paper work in place and cannot do what they planned. Some groups bypass the regulations, in essence snubbing their noses as local laws, and do their work.

Research has shown that well meaning medical missions often do as much or more harm than good, despite their best intentions. This occures even in areas where there is very little or no medical care available on a regular basis.

If you want to help, please do it right.

1) Work within local regulations, guided by professionals knowledgable about local needs and customs.

2) Plan ahead, allowing plenty of time to work out any snags

3) Plan your trip with the help of an organization that is familiar with the area and can help you arrange every aspect of your trip including logistics, daily needs of participants, coordination with local entities, cultural and language interpretation, etc.

Panama Global Connections can help you plan a successful trip that will meet local needs in areas of Panama and Nicaragua. We will take care of all the details of the trip so that you can concentrate on what you do best, providing healthcare.

Contact PGC: pgc@panamaglobalconnections.com
Student and professional groups welcome.

"Survivor" continues to threaten turtles

2010-04-23T10:04:00.000-07:00

The latest news from Bocas del Toro is that the TV reality show, Survivor, despite agreeing to cooperate with environmentalists instead of continuing to infringe on the nesting grounds of several species of rare ocean turtles, is continuing construction in those very same areas.

Please help protect the turtles by letting "Survivor" know that the survival of our environment is important. They can find another site to shoot the show that does not threaten the turtles. You can send them an open letter through: BocasBreeze@yahoo.com

I can't believe I watched that show last night. I may have to change my viewing practices.

Medical Spanish Survey

2010-04-18T21:14:00.000-07:00

Panama Global Connections is collaborating with a well known language school in Panama on a unique medical Spanish program. Please help us plan by taking the linked survey. It will take 3-5 minutes. Your private information will not be shared. We included that question so that we can let you know more about the course as we proceed. Your help is much appreciated.

Click Here to take survey

Open Letter to the reality show "Survivor"

2010-04-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

Here is my open letter to "Survivor"

The title of your reality show, "Survivor", is a bit ironic considering that your presence on the beaches of Bocas del Toro during the nesting season of the turtles threatens their existence. Your actions imply that your sole interest is financial. What a shame. Your program has an amazing opportunity to introduce millions of viewers to the unspoiled areas of the world and to promote preservation of our amazing ecology. Pleases re-think your priorities and take advantage of your position to make a positive impact on the future of our globe.

As a previous resident of Panama and a global education provider, I feel it is my responsibility to point out the importance of preserving our natural habitat. Please take the time to visit the turtle research center in Bocas del Toro and learn more about the amazing creatures that make their nests on Bluff Beach and other beaches in the area. I'm sure once you realize the negative impact of your presence on these delicate species you will decide to work with local residents and visitors to preserve the turtles. Think of the turtles and of the positive impression you will create by changing your course. Conversely, I am sure that if the public became aware that "Survivor" is endangering our fragile ecosystem, your ratings would plummet.

Please do the right thing for the turtles,

Sincerely,

Donna R. DeGracia

Education Coordinator

Panama Global Connections

pgc@panamaglobalconnections.com

Urgent response needed: Help save the Turtles

2010-04-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

I just received this in an email from Bocas del Toro:

"there's something wrong with this: Survivor Colombia is setting up large camps on the sands at Bluff Beach for another filming of the "Teality TV" show. Turtles are nesting nightly at Bluff Beach. It's leatherback, loggerhead and green turtle nesting season and Bluff is an important beach for all these species. A group of us are fighting for the turtles. If you want to send me an e-mail showing your own outrage, I'll make sure it gets printed and will get copies to the show's producers, crew, Bocas Mayor Dr. Joe Anderson, ARAP, and anyone else who needs to know we're NOT going to allow this to happen.

Allene Blaker
BocasBreeze@yahoo.com"

Please email Allene and cc your email to us: pgc@panamaglobalconnections.com so that we can track the progress of the "save the turtles" campaign. I will be emailing Allene soon. I will post it here within 24 hours for those of you who would like a template.

See the attached link: http://www.ecotourismpanama.com/fauna/turtles.htm to learn more about the turtles of Panama

Contact PGC at the email above if you would like us to set up a trip for your group to learn more about the turtles and other ecological issues that link us all together.\
Donna DeGracia

2010-04-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

PGC's Latest newsletter now out at: http://panamaglobalconnections.com/docs/News/2010_First_Quarter_Newsletter.pdf

Subscribe and get more updates: pgc@panamaglobalconnections.com

Health Care Reform in the U.S. - A **** big deal

2010-03-24T13:44:00.000-07:00

The United States is one of the wealthiest nations in the world, but it has taken about a century to pass a health care reform bill. Critics say it is too expensive to impliment in the present economic crisis. The U.K. initiated universal health care right after World War II when they were in the worst economic crisis in history. They just decided that health care should be a basic human right and they did it. I've talked to medical providers from the U.K. who have no complaints. They live a good life. When their patients are discharged from the hospital they go to the cashier not to pay a bill, but to get cab fare home.

As far as paying for it goes . . . I wonder how people can think we have not been paying for it for a very long time. Let me use a personal example. I work in the United States. I provide care in a small clinic in the upstairs of a community center in the middle of a housing project. Almost all of my patients are poor. Most are immigrants or refugees. Many do not speak English. Their care is complicated by lack of language skills, low health literacy, conflicting cultural beliefs, social stressors, and often lack of health care coverage. Our clinic is federally funded and charges on a sliding-fee-scale. We are so small that we do not have a CT scan or even x-ray capability. If I want to order a microscopic exam I have to pull out the micorscope and do it myself. If you are a U.S. taxpayer you help pay my salary and the salaries of all my co-workers. But we are saving you money. It would cost a lot more to care for our patients in the ER if they waited until they had no other choice. Our health outcomes are not always as good as we would like. Patients without insurance often cannot get the adjunct services they need and cannot afford to visit the specialists. They often do not take the medicines we prescribe because they cannot afford them. Consequently they end up sicker and require more expensive intervention.

For example, I have a patient who is a refugee from an African country. She has diabetes and has no health care coverage. Despite the best efforts of myself, our social worker, and our diabetes educator, her diabetes is poorly controlled because she cannot afford her medications or the test strips needed to check her blood sugar at home. Without help she will end up with heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and/or amputations and will cost the health care system a lot more than it would cost to supply her with insurance to cover her needs. So you see, we (the tax payers) are already paying preium prices to care for the uninsured.

I have some concerns about the new legislation. The first is about the requirement that everyone purchase health care insurance. How much will it cost, and how much will it cover? For someone on a limited income even a small insurance premium or a low deductable seems like a lot. If a parent has to choose between paying for health care or buying groceries for the kids, the groceries will win every time. Will this requirement put more of a burden on the poor without making us a healthier nation?

Special interest groups also worry me. Some legislators have specific agendas that make it hard for them to see the forrest for the trees. Take abortion for example. It doesn't matter which side of the fence you sit on, this is a difficult issue. In Nicaragua legislation was passed a few years ago outlawing any form of abortion. The law was so strictly interpreted that even procedures that were needed to preserve the life of the mother, such as in the case of tubal pregnancies, were not performed for fear of legal ramifications.

I have a few suggestions:

Equality of pay for providers. As long as specialist make double or triple what primary care providers make it will be difficult to provide sufficient care for everyone

Some sort of universal basic care. This is the model in many countries. In Panama, for example, there is a social security system that covers the general public for basic services. There is also a private system for those who want (and can afford) cutting edge medicine. Panama has state of the art hospitals where patients from all over the world are treated.

Team approach. We are trying to move towards treating the whole patient, but it takes a team to do that. The clinic system I work for employs doctors, physician assistants, midwives, nurses, medical assistants, social workers, counselors, pharmacists, dentists, dental assistants,etc. Even our tiny clinic in the projects has patient education, social work, and community health workers available to help. With our patient population, we save more than we spend by utilizing the skills of our team and providing culturally competent and comprehensive holistic care.

Look at what works in other countries. Cuba has a system where a doctor is in charge of his/her neighborhood. They do house visits and know their patients well. They have found that this level of familiarity improves outcomes while lowering the cost of health care. Cuba is a poor nation, but is commited to a healthy world and not only cares for its own, but sends doctors and medical teams all over the world to help where there are shortages in medical providers.

When we consider global health we must not forget that we are all part of the same globe. We can be our healthiest if we help each and learn from one another. We all have a lot to learn and our system has a lot of bugs to work out before it is ideal.

This editorial reflects my personal opinions

Donna DeGracia MPAS, PA-C

Education Coordinator

Panama Global Connections

2010-03-17T16:22:00.000-07:00

There's so much crime in Mexico right now that the State Department has issued a traveler's advisory. Why not explore Panama with us. We can make your trip way more than a vacation. Visit Starfish Beach or learn about exotic species of fish that threaten the coral leaves. Visit the canopy of the rainforest and the indigenous peoples who live there. Avoid the crowds and the crime. Let Panama Global Connections set up a very unique experience for you way south of the border in Panama.

Logical advice for world leaders

2010-02-18T18:24:00.000-08:00

Instead of flexing our muscles and posturing, let's get down to the serious business of talking and LISTENING to one another. Governments can get so caught up in in themselves that they forget the welfare of the peoples they are supposed to represent. That has become a serious road block to progress in the United States and throughout the world.

I follow events in Korea because I grew up there. This picture is my mom helping care for orphans shortly after the war.

The Korean War has never officially ended because governments are more concerned with appearances than making things right. It has been 60 years since that war started. It is time to end it!

We at Panama Global Connections believe that the world can be a better place if we form global relationships that are based on mutual respect and friendship. Our hope is that future leaders will have more understanding and compassion than has been exhibited to date.

Here's an interesting approach to the Korea issue:

http://www.fpif.org/articles/invite_north_korea_to_the_global_nuclear_security_summit

Donna DeGracia

Education Coordinator

Panama Global Connections

Review of 2009

2010-01-19T10:42:00.000-08:00

In 2009 the worldwide recession was the top news. For Panama Global Connections (PGC), a fledgling company, the recession resulted in cancellation of trips when hopeful participants lost funding. Despite PGC discounts, many could not afford to travel. Although the recession side-lined some of our planned activities, it did not put us under. Instead it gave us time to network, reflect, and expand our resources.

We are hopeful and excited about 2010. Many people are reassessing priorities and embracing the old values of charity and responsibility. We are also more aware than ever that we live in not only a global economy, but a global village.

About six years ago I created a course for Augsburg College entitled "Universal Responsibility: a Nicaraguan Perspective". The course is based on the Dahli Lama's concept of universal responsibility... a concept that embraces the brotherhood (and sisterhood) of humanity as a means to world peace and personal happiness. The recession has brought this concept to the forefront. We are seeing evidence of that in the outpouring of help for Haiti in the aftermath of their horrific earthquake.

PGC invites you to explore our global village and learn more about our interconnectedness and mutual responsibilities. We look forward to working with you in 2010.

Donna DeGracia
Education Coordinator
Panama Global Connections
pgc@panamaglobalconnections.com

It's Complicated

2010-01-15T15:32:00.000-08:00

Relations between the United States and Central America go back a long time.

Daniel Ortega, President of Nicaragua, was a Sandonista leader during the revolution of the 1980s. He was fighting to overthrow the 40+ year dictatorship that was supported by the United States. Ortega and his revolutionaries were victorious, but the Contras (a group sponsored by the U.S.) would not let this people's revolution stay in control for long.

Despite allegations of corruption and opposition by the United States, Ortega retains popularity and power in Nicaragua.

The Central America Trade Agreement (CAFTA) allows for free trade between the United States and Nicaragua. Whether or not this is a good agreement for Nicaragua depends on who you talk to. Sometimes a bad job is better than no job at all. Central American sweat shops run by international conglomerates give U.S. consumers cheaper products to buy and supply jobs (all-be-it jobs that exploit workers) in poor developing countries. A labor leader in Nicaragua told us not to boycott Walmart. She reminded us that any job is better than no job at all.

In Panama, Manuel Noriega worked for the CIA before he went rogue and the United States decided he had to be stopped.

In more recent times Pedro Miguel Gonzalez Pinzon has lead Panama's National Assembly despite his U.S. grand jury indictment for murder. He was accused of killing two American soldiers in 1992. Despite his not-guilty verdict from a Panamanian jury in 1997 the American Embassy quietly shared the United States' opposition prior to the September 1, 2007 election that put him in the leadership position in Panama's National Assembly.

But all of this is modern history. The United States has had a presence in Central America for a lot longer. Relationships have been complicated. Our history books often try to simplify matters that are, in reality, very complex.

Let us set up a trip for your group that will explore aspects of these relationships that you may never have imagined, even if you are well informed.

Water: the next global crisis

2009-11-22T16:39:00.000-08:00

go to http://twitterpic.com for more amazing pictures

Teen pregnancy and contraception in Nicaragua

2009-11-22T15:55:00.000-08:00

Surveys show that 6 out of 10 women in Nicaragua are sexually active by the age of twenty and half have a child before their 20th birthday.

Fifteen to 19 year-olds are responsible for a quarter of the 35,00 births per year in Nicaragua.

Teen pregnancy is more common in rural and poor women with more than twice as many births to poor women younger than twenty than to their wealthier counterparts.

Of mothers between 15 and 19 years of age, 86% do not want another pregnancy in the next two years but many are not using reliable contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy.

A Leon study found that among woman who do use contraception (ages 15-49) the first method of choice (39%) was permanent sterilization followed by IUD (16%).

There is a huge difference in the use of contraception between educated and uneducated women.

It is well recognized that education of women is the most efficient way for nations to improve socioeconomic conditions. Homes where women are educated typically have fewer children, better nutrition, and are financially better off.

While some cite the Catholic Church's condemnation of artificial methods of contraception in Nicaragua and other areas as a primary reason that women do not use contraception, the Leon survey suggested that it might be more a result of the male dominated or "machismo" culture.

While education of women and girls is certainly important, I would encourage education of both genders. Teachers and policy makers can do a lot to change attitudes and to provide needed education and services, but many of those making the decisions, running programs, and educating children are male. Unless both boys and girls learn and change attitudes teen pregnancy and related problems, such as domestic violence, will continue.

While this blog post focuses on Nicaragua, similar issues exist in most if not all cultures. What can you do to be part of the solution?

Animal News

2009-11-11T06:35:00.000-08:00

Illegal Animal Trade and Other Animal News

"The illegal animal trade in Nicaragua is thriving. Animal trafficking is considered a $20 billion annual industry, the most lucrative black market trade after arms and drugs, according to the Brazil-based Network to combat Wild Animal Trafficking."

Nica Times

In countries like Nicaragua, where many people are struggling to just survive each day, the capture and sale of local animal species can be the easiest way to feed a family. Between illegal animal trade and loss of habitat, over 17,000 animal species are threatened with extinction, including a rare Panamanian tree frog.

But the news is not all bad. Ray Gabriel, who specializes in Central and South American Theraphosids, or bird-eating spiders (tarantulas), has been studying them in Panama and has discovered the Ami Bladesi (named after Ruben Blades) that is pictured above.

Other animal lovers have rehabilitated injured or sick animals, like the sloth from Bocas del Toro pictured above, and successfully returned them to their natural habitat.

Be part of the solution. Contact Panama Global Connections to see how your group can volunteer to help and, in the process, learn a lot more about problems, solutions, and global connections.

pgc@panamaglobalconnections.com

Ecology and Tourism

2009-10-29T06:05:00.000-07:00

For over 20 years we have been hearing a lot about deforestation caused by international logging companies. Nicaragua, with one of the largest rain-forests in the region has certainly been a victim. The Somoza family, in power in Nicaragua for over 40 years, made a fortune between 1945 and 1960 from the US owned Long Leaf Pine Company that harvested virtually all the commercially valuable pines in a 1160 square-mile costal are in northeast Nicaragua.

Cattle ranches cut into the forests during their expansion in the 1960s and 1970s as had the cotton boom of the 1950s and 1960s. However, probably the biggest factor in deforestation is hunger. Most of the best land is owned by wealthy landowners, leaving the poor peasants nowhere to go but deeper into the rain-forest where they practice slash-and-burn agriculture. One of the problems with this type of farming is that it quickly uses up the nutrients in the soil, forcing farmers to move on to new land.

Nicaragua, with the help of concerned partners, is trying to reverse deforestation. One way to accomplish their goals is through ecotourism. Ecotourism allows financially sustainability without destroying valuable natural resources. It is also a way to educate the people of Nicaragua and the world about the value of preserving natural resources.

One community, in the mountains above Esteli, saw ecotourism as a way of keeping their children in the community. Young people were migrating to the city to find jobs, only to end up part of the vast urban poor. The community came together an formulated ideas for development that included ecotourism as a way to finance their health, education, and farming programs. The children learn English is school to prepare them to guide the tourists and to teach them about the birds, the forest, and the connections between Nicaragua's ecology and the ecology of the tourist's home.

Come with us to Nicaragua and learn a whole lot more.

Hunger

2009-10-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

Reportedly, there is more hunger in the world now than in any other time in history. One out of six people are hungry as a result of the current world economic crisis. While supermarkets are stocked with fruits, vegetables, and exotic foods from around the world, children in the same countries where those foods originated go to bed hungry every night. Anemia, protein deficiency malnutrition, and starvation rob children of intelligence, health, and even life.

One solution is soy. Organizations around the world are turning to soy as a nutritious and inexpensive food source. Barrio Esperanza, in Guatemala City, is an amazing community that built itself up from nothing. Community projects include craft sales, a community clinic, a daycare, a bakery (bottom picture) and a soy milk project. Community organizers (women from the community) recognized both the economic and nutritional needs of local residents and answered that need with businesses that provide both jobs and products that improve the health of the community.

In Nicaragua, where malnutrition is a major contributing factor to childhood mortality, a women led non-profit, La Asociacion Soya de Nicaragua (SOYNICA) grew up to "promote and facilitate empowerment of women and families in the areas of nutrition, responsible and healthy consumption, early childhood education and generation of income as a tool for improving their quality of life." In the small town of Santa Rosa a local community project feeds children with malnutrition (top picture).

Soy is a life saving product in other parts of the world as well. Locally produced soy milk projects (supported by donations from Christian organizations in the United States and south Korea) help children of north Korea survive the ongoing famine there.

According to the Soy Connection, "Good nutrition with soy protein can be an important tool to help the more than 33 million people worldwide who are living with HIV and AIDS. Soy is suited to help meet their requirements for protein, calories and more."

Learn more about soy

Pesticides and health in Nicaragua

2009-10-21T16:46:00.000-07:00

Last week Univision did a story on Nicaraguan farmers and plantation workers' struggle for compensation for morbidity or mortality related to pesticide use by large companies. The pictures of physical deformities were haunting. They brought back memories of a visit to the hospital in Leon with a group of students. We went back to the hospital at night to watch surgery. (Much of the surgery there is done at night when it is cooler as the air condition units are not always operational.) The case that night was a hand surgery. The patient, a banana plantation worker, had a severe infection in his hand that needed to be surgically drained. I interpreted for the students as the anesthesiologist explained that, because of prolonged exposure to pesticides, the patient had renal insufficiency that limited his choice of anesthesia. He was forced to use a form of anesthesia that had neurologic side effects including hyperkensia. As he spoke we watched the orthopedic surgeon make an incision into the man's hand. Suddenly the surgeon jumped back as the hand he was working on jerked violently, almost hitting him in the face. The surgeon grabbed his surgical instruments out of the way of the flailing limb and sat back until the movement ceased. He continued with the surgery as if nothing had happened.

Back in 1979, certain chemicals including 1,2-Dibromo-3-Chioropropane (DBCP) were outlawed for use in the United States except on pineapple plantations in Hawaii where they were still used for a few more years.

These same chemicals were used by large fruit companies such as Dole and Dow Chemical in Nicaragua, Panama and other Central American countries for years after their use was known to cause sterility and other serious health problems.

A resulting legal case tried in Nicaragua in December, 2002 against Dow Chemical, Shell Oil, and Dole Foods awarded $490 million to 583 banana workers. The large companies refused to pay. It was not until November 5, 2007, when a case was tried in a California court, that Nicaraguan banana workers sterilized by farm chemicals, were awarded $3.3 million.

Meanwhile countless others continue to fight for compensation and medical care in Nicaragua.

water

2009-10-17T18:37:00.001-07:00

The water video is: http://bit.ly/Vv47U

Water

2009-10-17T18:02:00.000-07:00

Water is life. We cannot live without it. Finding potable water is something that most of us take for granted. Millions of people live without potable water. One of the leading causes of death among children in Nicaragua is diarrhea. Diarrhea is so common because children often do not have access to clean drinking water. View the attached video. It is amazing what a few people who care can accomplish.

Look for more about creative giving in the next PGC newsletter.

Ecotourism in Nicaragua

2009-10-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

Nicaragua is small and poor, but is very innovative in promoting ecotourism. I know people in Nicaragua who can tell you which birds in Nica migrate all the way to Minnesota and Canada. The amazing thing is that those same people live without running water or electricity, but they have discovered natural pesticides for coffee plants that they now export worldwide. Learn more:

Keep your eyes opened for this

2009-10-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

Our 2009 4th quarter newsletter will focus on Nicaragua. This blog will also be updated frequently with news and information related to Nicaragua. If you have been to Nicaragua please let us know why you would recommend going. We will be publishing our top 10 responses soon. I have already polled people who have gone. Add your voice to theirs.

Faculty Symposium

2009-10-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

Is your institution trying to get started in global education? Let us help. We can create a faculty symposium on teaching in the global setting that fits your needs. The symposium is offered on site and includes workshops, exercises, and excursions that help faculty prepare for leading students in a global experience. You'll be surprised at how comprehensive and affordable it can be. Your faculty members will return full of enthusiasm and new ideas.

Religion

2009-10-15T11:31:00.000-07:00

Panama is primarily a Catholic country, but the diversity of the population demands diversity in religions. From the Bahai temple on the mountain top overlooking Panama City, you can look out in all directions. If you look carefully you will see the peaks of churches and temples of all kinds. From indigenous spirituality to eastern meditation, it is all here. Join us in Panama to learn about the historical and cultural factors that determine the religious makeup of this tiny country.

Biodiversity

2009-10-15T11:27:00.000-07:00

Panama has more biodiversity than just about anywhere else on earth. It is amazing how much you can find without traveling far from the capital. But if you do want to travel into the interior or out to the islands, you will find even more. Panama is a center for biological and tropical medicine research. It is a great place to learn about and observe first-hand the biodiversity of this tropical paradise.

Culture and Art Nicaragua

2009-10-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

You can still watch the making of pre-Colombian pottery in Nicaragua. The pottery wheel is relatively new to many, who still make their pottery by hand from the clay of their fields and finish it in the same wood-burning kilns used by their ancestors. Art schools are often organic organizations that grow up within the community by dedicated artists. They work hard to preserve the unique style of Nicaragua while experimenting with new forms. Art is everywhere, even on the walls that surround the home of the President. Come with us to learn about Nicaraguan art and how it intertwines with the history of the country.

Culture and Art Panama

2009-10-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

Panama is a major exporter of artists and sports stars. From ancient dance and art forms to innovative modern art, Panama has it all. A diverse population and a thriving international economy make Panama a hub for the arts. Are you familiar with Ruben Blades? Roberto Duran? Did you know they were from Panama? How many Panamanian baseball players are there on U.S. professional teams? Probably more than you thought. Panama is a leader in Latin and Caribbean music. Come with us to learn more.

History and Political Science in Nicaragua

2009-10-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

Nicaragua has always been regarded by the United States as crucial to the security of Central and South Americas. The people of Nicaragua, however, have a spirit that cannot be tamed. Learn more about Nicaragua and her place in the world.

History and Political Science in Panama

2009-10-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

The history and politics of Panama have always been closely linked to the United States. Learn more about the importance of Panama to the U.S. and how the sometimes rocky relationship between the two has evolved.

Ecology and climate change

2009-10-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

We are all worried about the ecology and how changes in the ecology impact climate change. What better place to learn about how our world is changing than the bridge between two hemispheres: Panama; where there are more species of plants and animals than just about anywhere else in the world.

New Programs

2009-10-15T10:52:00.000-07:00

Panama Global Connections is constantly adding new programs and updating our offerings. Besides those advertised here, you can create your own. Contact us to find out how: pgc@panamaglobalconnections.com

Indigenous Health in Panama - January 2010

2009-07-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

We are now accepting applications for our Indigenous Health in Panama program for January 2010. Contact pgc@panamaglobalconnections.com for more information.

Join us in a trip to Nicaragua this summer

2009-04-26T19:03:00.000-07:00

Panama Global Connections will be traveling to Managua, Leon, and Bluefields, Nicaragua from July 10-22, 2009. This trip will focus on health care and related issues and is open to all health care and related providers, students, and any other interested persons.

We will combine learning about health care and health needs with service learning, medical Spanish, cultural events, and tours of local sites. Participants will have the opportunity to see life in Nicaragua first-hand through a short home stay with local families.

Due to the present economic situation we have shortened this trip by 2 days and reduced the cost as much as possible. Our price of $2,079 includes everything except airfare to Nicaragua. This is a reduction of over $1,500!

Please contact us through this site or at pgc@panamaglobalconnections.com for more information or to reserve your spot. Please hurry. Space is limited.

Donna DeGracia
Education Coordinator
Panama Global Connections
http://panamaglobalconnections.com

Baseball in the United States

2009-03-06T09:36:00.000-08:00

Create your own adventure

2009-02-18T16:45:00.000-08:00

Panama Global Connections can help you create a unique adventure for you and your group. Contact us to get started:

pgc@panamaglobalconnections.com

Family Ecology trip to Panama

2009-02-18T16:44:00.001-08:00

International Commerce Course in Panama

2009-02-18T16:43:00.001-08:00

Medicine in Panama

2009-02-18T16:42:00.001-08:00

Medical Spanish in Panama

2009-02-18T16:41:00.001-08:00

Global Health Rotations

2009-02-18T16:40:00.001-08:00

Global Health in Nicaragua

2009-02-18T16:39:00.001-08:00

Learn about Panama

2009-02-18T16:38:00.001-08:00

Darien Children and Families

2009-02-18T16:37:00.001-08:00

Caribbean Culinary Adventure

2009-02-18T16:35:00.001-08:00

New Programs

2009-02-18T16:27:00.000-08:00

PGC has a variety of new programs

Check out ways to make global education more affordable:
1. PGC offers a 10% discount to groups of 10 or more (form your own group)
2. We have lay-away available at no additional charge
3. Kids 8-12 can join the PGC family program for 1/2 price

Panama Global Connections

2008-10-08T18:52:00.000-07:00

Panama Global Connection facilitates transformative education experiences that promote global leadership potential and the development of intercultural relationships.

We offer educators the opportunity to create customized courses with the help of our experienced staff. Tell us about your vision and we will bring that vision to life. Courses are tailored to the needs of the primary course instructor.