Schools of Hope

Schools of Hope

Escuelas de Esperanza is a project we started with the government of the Republic of Panama in an effort to raise funds for the construction of new schools in rural areas of Panama, where more than 25,000 children attend “escuelas de ranchos,” rudimentary schools functioning in improvised huts with dirt floors and poor physical conditions.

The Honorable Vivian Fernández de Torrijos, the first lady of the Republic of Panama, shared the vision and heart of Reverend Luis Cortés, Jr. for developing educational opportunities for the children of Panama. Her support combined with that of the Panamanian Department of Education and notables such as singer-actor and minister of Tourism of Panama, Rubén Blades, ensures that Escuelas de Esperanza will become a reality in the near future.

Their goal: children should have the opportunity to reach their full potential no matter where they live or what their surroundings are.

People like Marcos Witt, Rubén Blades, and Mariano Rivera have made a financial commitment to Escuelas de Esperanza, and thanks to their support some of these schools are being built. We invite you to make a difference in the lives and education of the Panamanian children. You, too, can make a commitment to Escuelas de Esperanza. If you’d like to learn more about becoming an Escuelas de Esperanza sponsor, please CLICK HERE.

Progress Report
The first construction sites have been identified. They are located in communities of extreme poverty in rural Panama where children are living without running water and electricity. The first three schools are now under construction.

A project committee has been established and charged with oversight and the successful completion of Escuelas de Esperanza.

Architectural plans that meet Panama’s federal requirements have been developed.