“Encontrando el Camino Correcto”, Finding the Right Path, is a program developed by the Ministry of Social Development (MIDES), the National Police and the Ministry of Education (MEDUCA). On November 1, 2018 the Project was launched in the Las Madres Park in Puerto Armuelles, im Bezirk Barú. 100 young people, 78 men and 22 women, participated in the event. It officially began operation in January 2019 in Puerto Armuelles.

Read more about the background of the program and what it involves:

At Risk Youth Program Coming to Puerto Armuelles

These young people, between 15 and 25 years old, were chosen through a process of evaluation and recruitment, which began last August in the districts of Baco, Rodolfo Aguilar Delgado, Progreso, Limones and Puerto Armuelles ~ the five corregimientos that make up the sector. They were selected because they are considered to be “at social risk”, due to different circumstances, and have dropped out of their schools. Now, these young people are looking for an opportunity to reintegrate into the community and get ahead.

The launch was attended by specialists in Social Risk Behavior, the Office of Social Security (ODSS), social workers and psychologists of the Center for Orientation and Comprehensive Care (COAI), MIDES, and the National Police. They participated in games to develop skills in teamwork, respect, solidarity and other important values for a healthy coexistence within society.

The Project began in January, 2019, in the facilities of the former Union of the Bananeras, located in the village of Puerto Armuelles. Students participate with workshops and classes. As you drive past, you may see them outside practicing drills, in their uniforms.