The 'Network of Opportunities' program, run by Panama's Ministry of Social Development (MIDES), is fostering academic excellence in children by supporting their mothers. This program, aimed at reducing poverty, provides economic transfers to 41,979 women nationwide, who use the funds to purchase school supplies, uniforms, and other essential materials for their children's education.
One such success story is that of the Rodríguez family from the Ngäbe-Buglé comarca. Mother Mitzila Rodríguez is a beneficiary of the program. Despite living in a home without electricity or internet, her children are achieving outstanding academic results. Her 12-year-old son, Edgar, ranked second in his school with a final grade of 4.7. His 10-year-old sister, Marelis, is an honor student with a 4.4 average, and their 8-year-old sister, Yoalys, has a 4.6 average, even scoring a perfect 5.0 in English.
These achievements are made possible by their mother's dedication and the state program. Mitzila, who only completed primary school herself, hopes her children will go further in life than she did. She takes her children to school daily and then walks long distances to sell handicrafts.
The children already have clear career aspirations: Edgar dreams of becoming a police officer to serve his community, while Yoalys wants to be a doctor so she can build a house for her mother. Edgar's teacher, Flor Santamaría, praises him as an exemplary student, admiring his perseverance and strength in overcoming his surroundings.
According to Pablo González, the MIDES Comarca Director, stories like these exemplify the positive impact of economic transfers in changing lives for the better and fostering national development.
