Centro Las Claras: New Opportunity for Teen Moms

During the last quarter of 2025, the Las Claras Program continued to strengthen its comprehensive impact on the lives of adolescent mothers and their children in the community of Felipillo. Throughout this period, the program actively supported Groups 13 through 16, providing psychosocial care, academic education, technical training, as well as health and early childhood stimulation services, ensuring a holistic and sustained approach.

One of the most significant achievements of the quarter was the graduation of 18 adolescent mothers in December, who successfully completed the Administrative Assistant Technical Program offered by INADEH, culminating 880 hours of theoretical and practical training. This milestone represents a critical step toward labor market integration and economic autonomy, further reinforced by professional internships that received positive evaluations from participating companies.

In the academic area, participants from Groups 13 and 14 obtained their High School Diploma in Commerce, while Group 15 successfully advanced through 11th-grade coursework. In parallel, remedial classes in literacy and numeracy were delivered, resulting in notable improvements in academic performance, functional skills, and personal confidence.

Regarding emotional and family well-being, more than 1,200 hours of psychological support were provided during the semester, complemented by social work interventions and home visits. These actions strengthened emotional stability and reinforced family and community support networks. Additionally, access to comprehensive health services was ensured, including pediatric and gynecological care, as well as family planning follow-up.

The children of program participants benefited from over 4,000 combined hours of care and individualized early childhood stimulation, promoting cognitive, motor, linguistic, and socio-emotional development within a safe and nurturing environment.

Finally, the program advanced in the consolidation of its Employability and Graduate Follow-Up Phase, achieving concrete job placements and ongoing recruitment processes scheduled for early 2026. Looking ahead, the team is preparing to launch Group 17 and implement strategic adjustments to the intervention model, with the goal of expanding reach, improving retention, and continuing to generate sustainable, long-term impact.

Thanks to the continued support of our donors, the Las Claras Program continues to demonstrate that comprehensive and sustained interventions can transform life trajectories and create real opportunities for adolescent mothers and their families.

We are delighted to share with you an update on the progress of the Las Claras program over the past months — progress made possible thanks to your continued generosity and belief in our mission.

During this period, the program continued to provide comprehensive support to adolescent mothers and their children, focusing on four key pillars: emotional well-being, education, health, and early childhood development. Our aim remains to empower these young women to overcome adversity, complete their education, acquire vocational skills, and build a sustainable future for themselves and their families.

Some of the key achievements and activities from the past six months include:

• Personal and Professional Development: The young mothers participated in a variety of workshops designed to prepare them for the workforce and to foster personal growth. These included sessions on entrepreneurship, employability, financial literacy, crafting decorative arrangements, and improving their personal and professional image. Workshops also focused on practical skills such as CV writing, customer service, and interview techniques — equipping the girls with the tools they need to secure meaningful employment.

• Health and Well-Being: In collaboration with the local health center, we organized a vaccination campaign that ensured mothers and their children were protected against influenza and other preventable diseases. Additionally, our staff received training in first aid, further strengthening our ability to provide a safe and responsive environment for our beneficiaries.

• Educational Milestones: Many of the young women have successfully completed their high school education and obtained technical certifications in fields such as administrative assistance and computer systems. Several have already begun internships in the technology sector through our partnerships, and others have transitioned into formal employment — tangible evidence of the program’s impact.

• Cultural and Emotional Enrichment: We commemorated Black Ethnicity Month with poetry, dance, and cultural activities that fostered a sense of pride and belonging. The girls also participated in theater and creative writing workshops, helping them express their emotions, build confidence, and improve their communication skills.

• Support for Their Children: Throughout this period, the children of our beneficiaries continued to receive early childhood stimulation sessions, designed to support their cognitive, motor, linguistic, and social-emotional development. These efforts ensure that both mothers and children have the best possible foundation for a brighter future.

Thanks to these initiatives — and to your invaluable support — the young women have not only advanced academically and professionally but have also developed resilience, self-confidence, and critical life skills.

Your contribution enables us to continue accompanying these adolescent mothers on their journey toward independence and well-being, breaking cycles of poverty and vulnerability for both them and their children.

On behalf of all of us at Voces Vitales de Panamá and the entire Las Claras family, thank you for standing with us and for believing in the potential of these young women. Together, we are transforming lives and building a more equitable future.