Peace Corps Panama Friends

Alejandro and a neighbor in 2008.
(Click for larger view.)

Alejandro and a neighbor in 2008 Born in 1975 in Darien province, Alejandro moved to Panama City when he was 18. Born with nystagmus, involuntary eye movements, Alejandro was nonetheless able to work as a sailor and ship’s mechanic. At the age of 21, he was diagnosed with optic nerve deterioration which has led to a gradual loss of vision. At age thirty, he was no longer able to work. He now lives on a government disability pension.

Alejandro owns a room in a wooden barraca in the Curundú neighborhood. The Patronato Luz del Ciego’s social worker describes the room: “…a bed, a table with a chair, and his clothing hanging from the ceiling. Both the bath and toilet are shared with the others who live in the barraca.“ Alejandro’s efforts to obtain public housing in a safer neighborhood have been unsuccessful.

PCPF began assisting Alejandro in 2008 when he was in his last year of high school at the Official Secondary Night School. A few months latter, he graduated second in his class. He now attends ISAE University, majoring in primary education. He gets A’s and B’s there and has started going to school 12 months a year.

Below is a translation of the latest of the two letters he’s written to PCPF:

First, let me extend my profound appreciation for the support that you are giving me so I can continue my studies and become a professional who molds men and women, work that will be very satisfying for me and will also improve the quality of my life.

When I was in high school, I felt a bit sad because I had no financial support. When I learned of your offer to help, my life changed and I’ve been happy because, thanks to you, I’ve been able to complete my school assignments and pay for transportation, supplies, and copies.

I’m taking full advantage of your stipend, displaying, I feel, sacrifice, effort, and responsibility. I won’t waste the opportunity that you are giving me.

I give thanks to all the members of Peace Corps Panama Friends because you have given incomparable support to me, a humble and limited person who dreams of being a proper, competent professional.

Although I don’t know who you are, you’ve shown me that we live in a world that still has compassionate people who want to help a student who desires to get ahead. I reiterate my thanks and ask the Almighty to give many blessings to your members and families.

I shall study more each day to be worthy of the financial assistance you offer me and to continue to grow as a person to reach my dream while assisting the Patronato Luz del Ciego.

Many thanks and may God bless you and give many blessings to those who belong to Peace Corps Panama Friends and to their families.

In addition to his university studies, Alejandro recently completed an introductory English course and a computer course at the Patronato Luz del Ciego.

The photo below, taken at the Patronato’s 2009 Christmas party, is of Alejandro receiving his certificate for completing the computer course.