Day 3 - Michael Manasterski

Having taken a couple of days to get a feel for Panama and see some of the sights, today we got down to business and had our first interactions with the kids and staff at Casa Esperanza. Its meaning is “House of Hope” in Spanish, and indeed, Casa Esperanza offers a glimmer of hope for exploited child workers in Panama City. The organization is dedicated to combating child labor by providing a place for kids 3-17 years old, where they are taken off the street and provided food, healthcare, and education.

When we arrived at one of Casa Esperanza’s branches downtown, the staff introduced us to the kids, who won our hearts immediately and were eager to have us join them in their games. We played soccer with them, and though they were half my height, they had more than twice my skill! It was great fun talking to and playing with the kids, seeing their enthusiasm and excitement at our arrival was encouraging.

After leaving Casa Esperanza, we had a chance to tour one of the local public health clinics. It is here that the majority of Panamanians come for their primary healthcare. A fairly wide range of specialists are available, and though resources are scarce, they are efficiently used. Though the clinic seems relatively well-equipped given their financial circumstances and similar to clinics I have seen in other developing countries, glaring inadequacies are evident. For instance, the physical therapy room is upstairs and since there is no elevator, something taken for granted in America, only those who can climb the stairs can be treated there. As in the States, most serious cases must be transferred to the better-equipped hospitals.

The evening was devoted to making plans for the remainder of the week and buying supplies for the kids. Our initial impressions of Casa Esperanza were very positive, and we are very much looking forward to implementing our activity plans with the kids.