"I do not see any way to improve the visit to Escuela Manuel Benigno Higuera in San Carlos. The girls were in wide dresses, like la pollera de gala [traditional Panamanian costume] that the women in our folklore show had on. They were very beautiful."

Charles O'Daniell—Memphis, Tennessee

General Manuel Benigno Higuero Guardia School

Partner since: 2010
Total donated: $1000

Inspired by the challenges facing the 1,300 students at this school in the village of San Carlos, we began our partnership in February of 2010. Our initial donation of $1000 will provide the roof and floor for a new classroom necessary to accommodate the school's large number of students.

The principal, Modesto Guardia, has high hopes for the future of our partnership. He plans to build the new classroom by the end of this year, and equip the school auditorium with new chairs and an amplification system. Further down the road, a canopied walkway will protect children from sun and rain; a school bus will provide free transportation to students who live up to 25 miles away; and a swimming pool will give the students new opportunities for physical education.

School in session:

Mid-March through mid-December

Gifts to bring if you're visiting:

• Simple English story books or picture books 
• Board games
• Notebooks
• Loose-leaf paper
• Toothbrushes
• Pencils