This achievement is possible thanks to the "Mi Nueva Meta" program of the Ministry of Social Development (MIDES), an initiative designed to provide continuity in education for those who dedicated their lives to home and work without being able to study.
"Alliances for Formal Education"
The participants are graduates of "Muévete por Panamá", the successful literacy program that in 2025 managed to teach 1,670 people to read and write.
As explained by Fidedigna Patiño, director of the En Serio Panamá and Learning for Life projects, the organization has focused on implementing articulated strategies that generate effective professional insertion and development for Panamanian youth.
One of the pillars of this model is the active participation of the private sector in talent training.
With more than 100,000 beneficiaries impacted, the organization reaffirms its commitment to a development model based on educational innovation and business co-responsibility to drive the country's sustainable growth.
"Impact of 'Muévete por Panamá'"
The previous literacy program, based on the "Yo, Sí Puedo" method, has been the engine of this change.
Since its creation in 2007, this public policy has impacted more than 84,700 citizens, consolidating "Mi Nueva Meta" as the next logical step towards the restoration of rights and personal overcoming in adulthood.
"Territorial Expansion and the Female Face"
During the current year, "Mi Nueva Meta" has extended its coverage to districts such as 24 de Diciembre in Panamá Este and Buena Vista in the province of Colón.
The provinces with the highest literacy rate are Panamá, Bocas del Toro, Veraguas, and Chiriquí.
With a duration of seven weeks and 65 classes, participants acquire skills from writing their name to composing simple texts.
Through a strategic alliance between MIDES and the Panamanian Institute of Education by Radio (IPER), "Mi Nueva Meta" currently benefits 120 people, of which 86.67% are women who are formally incorporated into the first, second, and third grades of the national education system.
This inter-institutional articulation, driven by Minister Beatriz Carles, began as a pilot project and, due to its positive results, has been expanded in 2026 to various points in the country.
"Strategic Alliance of CoSPAE Drives Labor Insertion and National Competitiveness"
Through programs such as Learning for Life and CoSPAE Conecta, the organization promotes the participation of the private sector in creating real job opportunities.
The "Mi Nueva Meta" program of MIDES guarantees school continuity for literate women.
This vision seeks to make training a strategic axis of competitiveness in Panama, especially in the face of rapid technological changes.
Under this scheme, the Learning for Life program operates, which combines technical training and professional practice in key sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and gastronomy, reducing the learning curve and facilitating formal hiring.
"Commitment to National Competitiveness"
Beyond the execution of specific projects, CoSPAE promotes a permanent articulation between academia, the private sector, and public policies.
Patiño emphasized that this collaboration is not optional, but strategic to have competitive human capital in the face of the challenges of the global economy.
"Market-Oriented Training Models"
With the support of 34 strategic allies and 268 cooperation agreements, CoSPAE has developed practical models over almost four decades that seek to reduce the skills gap.
In the last 18 months of management, MIDES has literized 2,304 people, 62.2% of whom are women.
These are added to the areas of Ancón, Chilibre, Santa Ana, Juan Díaz, and Ernesto Córdoba.
