MISSION Empower a social and environmental youth movement in Panamá and the Central American Region incorporating education, values, and environmental conservation aiming to strengthen group identity and sustainable development projects which in turn improve the quality of life and society, in general. VISION OF PANAMÁ VERDE We are creative, reflective and critically-thinking youth. We offer trainings that emphasize values and develop new capabilities. We foster the social and environmental youth movement placing importance on strong ethical, moral and ecological trainings and we provide practical solutions to current social problems. HISTORY In 1996, Panamá Verde Association’s first youth groups were coordinated by Peace Corps Volunteers from the United States who were working in Panamá. Since then, the organization has grown and in 2004, the Panamá Verde Association became legally registered as a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) whose goal is to share and unite efforts by members to create a nationally-known youth organization that aids in the development of social and environmental leaders within rural communities. The Panamá Verde Association currently has a national network comprised of 36 community and school groups. Total national membership is over 450 young people between the ages of 12 and 30. There are groups in each of Panamá’s nine provinces working in conservation and community projects. The Panamá Verde Association’s goal is to educate youth on current conservation and environmental issues by promoting teamwork and leadership. The Panamá Verde Association aims to provide rural youth the opportunity to develop skills that will make them better leaders and future citizens capable of working for a more sustainable development of their communities. The activities and programs the Panamá Verde Association develops are expected to provide an opportunity to improve self-esteem, to learn good habits and work ethic, and to create respect for the environment. An additional objective of our association is to create self-sufficient youth groups that provide members with responsibilities. When a group is initially formed, it receives technical assistance and information on topics that the group needs and wants to know from the Panamá Verde Association national coordinators. This initial phase serves to strengthen the new group’s training and support for their projects. Experience has shown that these community youth groups have managed to work on local social and environmental projects at the community level. Small groups have developed into well-organized groups who are respected by adult community members and have even gained recognition from local and national authorities. GENERAL PURPOSE Teach young Panamanians to become better citizens by training them to be proactive leaders with the ability to address environmental and social issues in their respective communities. Contact info: Ciudad de Panamá Área de Clayton Calle Maritza Alabarca local 1010 D Telefax (507) 317 1774 Celular (507) 6611 5643 Apartado postal 0819-05795 www.Panamáverde.org E-mail Panamáverde@Panamáverde.org

Revised: 3/8/2010

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Email: pcpf@Panamapcv.net