Panama's Christian Schools and Latin America ChildCare
By Rod and Sherry Boyd

PANAMA'S SCHOOLS

We are convinced that the Christian school ministry offers the highest possible level of commitment to evangelism and discipleship.  Imagine the 30 or more hours given each week to children and youth, where teachers consider themselves "pastors" of their classrooms.  Most of the children and youth that attend come from a non-Christian home. 

Think about the hundreds of hours of ministry from church members and teachers that impact not only the lives of these students, but also mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, grandparents, uncles and aunts, and countless others.  Parents and family members attend practical workshops to assist them with real problems and concerns.  There they hear the gospel and a message of hope. 

We have seen the impact that the Christian school has on the individual child, family and even community!  The Christian school represents true transformation and requires commitment for the long haul.

Panama continues to experience a revival in its Christian school movement.  More and more churches and pastors are discovering that the Christian school is an effective evangelistic and discipleship ministry.  In just the last three years, total attendance has increased from 4,400 to more than 6,400 students, with strong prospects for continued growth for the years to come.  Most of the growth has been in the elementary level.  Most of Panama schools have the name El Buen Pastor or the Good Shepherd Schools, known for quality and strong Christian values. 

There are currently 30 elementary schools, 14 junior highs (grades 7-9) and 5 senior highs (grades 10-12) located on 31 campuses throughout the country.  Eleven new elementary schools have opened in the last three years alone.  School locations and additional interesting facts can be found at the end of this article.  These new schools usually begin by offering kindergarten through first or second grade.  Then add a new grade each year. 

The new schools and continued growth of existing schools demands ongoing construction of classrooms and other school facilities.  MAPS construction teams are needed and always welcome.  A list and description of current school building projects can be found on our School Projects page.

Two of our schools are Indian schools located in the mountains of northwestern Panama.  This mountainous country is home to the Guaymi Indians. Please pray for these two schools as the level of education is very low among the Guaymi and for adequate resources due to abject poverty.

LATIN AMERICA CHILDCARE

Latin America ChildCare (LACC) provides assistance to over 1,000 of the more than 6,000 children in Panama's Christian schools, with more than 300 on the waiting list to receive help. LACC of Panama partners with the Good Shepherd Schools of the General Council of the Assemblies of God of Panama to offer assistance to those in greatest need.  LACC assists nearly 100,000 children in 20 different countries in 300 different schools. In addition to a quality Christian education, LACC also assists with feeding and medical needs.

The heart of LACC is the team of individual sponsors who give $32 each month to assist their child with school costs. Panama currently has over 300 children who desperately need a sponsor. Can you help?  If so, you can now sponsor a Panama child online on the Panama LACC4Hope.org website or call our toll free number 1-800-289-7071. Or you can email the LACC office directly or feel free to email us. Be sure to ask for information on Panamanian children who need a sponsor. God bless you for your prayers and support of the children of Panama!

INTERESTING FACTS AND SCHOOL LOCATIONS

• Panama has 31 El Buen Pastor Christian School campuses with 30 elementary schools, 14 junior high schools and 5 senior high schools.

• Combined enrollment for the schools in 2009 is 6,443--kindergarten through 12th grade.

• The largest school is the Canaan Good Shepherd School with 900!

• Latin America ChildCare provides assistance to nearly 1,000 of these children.

• There are over 300 children waiting for a sponsor.

• Panama's school year extends from mid-March until Christmas. Children receive 215 days of instruction.

• The average teacher salary is less than $275 per month.

• Most schools are located along or near the Pan American Highway. 

• Most of Panama's Christian schools--17--are located in the Panama City area.  The farthest distance between these city schools is no more than 15 miles.

The two maps below shows the location of the Panama's Christian Schools:

Click on the Schools menu to the left to view articles and reports