Panama and India have firmly shaken hands and sealed five Memoranda of Understanding to launch rapid-impact projects that directly reach communities in need. The signing took place in the Peace Hall of the Las Garzas Palace, with the Minister of the Presidency, Juan Carlos Orillac; the head of SENACYT, Eduardo Ortega Barría; and from India, their ambassador Sumit Seth. As distinguished witnesses: the Chancellor Javier Martínez-Achay and the First Lady Maricel Cohen de Mulino. It was precisely the First Lady who indicated that: “This is not just ‘painting a wall and being done with it,’ this is putting love into the young people's plates, ensuring that there is real, organized food in schools, without waste, and with the community involved.” She said that the agreements will have a strong impact in two schools in San Miguelito, where the daily struggle is real: “This is more than fixing a kitchen; it's about preventing food from being lost where there is a need, uniting mothers, teachers, and the community so that the children are better nourished.” On the Indian side, Ambassador Seth did not hide his good spirits: “Long live Panama, long live India, and long live friendship!” he exclaimed proudly, emphasizing that these projects aim to improve health, education, technology, and infrastructure, and the idea is for both countries to be even closer. The diplomat also recalled that Panama has talent and that India wants to open doors: more scholarships, more technology, more tourism, and more business movement. He even confirmed that the number of scholarships for Panamanians has been increased from 25 to 30, and they hope to reach 50 or 100. Minister Orillac signed 4 of the 5 agreements, which will bring these projects: 1️⃣ Channeling the stream in Santa Rita, Anton (Cocle) so that the Santa Rita River does not overflow again like a spoiled neighbor. 2️⃣ A new vehicular bridge in the same corregimiento because crossing on foot every rainy season is a stress that is no longer necessary. 3️⃣ Food Security and Community Sustainability Plan at the Amelia Denis de Icaza School (San Miguelito). A comprehensive model for the school and community to be self-sufficient with organized and nutritious food. 4️⃣ The same plan for the Samaria Sinai School (San Miguelito) because where there is a need, support must be doubled. 5️⃣ Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Project with SENACYT. Here, Ortega Barría signed: a network of 9 AI and data science experimentation stations, distributed across the country's Rincones Clubhouse locations, plus a mobile unit. The idea is for young people to learn in practice, prepare for the jobs of the future, and know how to use technology not just to consume, but to create.
