Panama focuses on Mobility and Access for All

Ainette Algandona of Fundacion Horizonte Panama shows her excitement

On the ninth day of September 2013 a container having had its origin from Free Wheelchair Mission, Jiangsu Province, China, containing 1203 cartons,(unassembled) wheelchair kits and wheelchair assembly kits was released to Consignee: University of Panama on behalf of Causas para el Cambio Panama and Fundacion Horizonte.

Prior to the arrival of donated goods, with the lead from Fundacion Horizonte Panama, and support from the University of Panama and Causas para el Cambio Panama all efforts were made to connect with non-profit organizations, disability awareness groups, community health centers, churches, hospitals and senior residential facilities throughout the country to create a list of persons most in need of wheelchairs.  Home visits and interviews were arranged by social workers, doctors and other representatives from volunteer organizations. Word of mouth spread quickly.

Zully JF Alvarado, Ancel Montenelli, representatives of Causes for Change International and Causas para el Cambio Panama accompanied by Catalina Solis, traveled to Panama and help oversee the assembling and distribution process of the 550 wheelchairs,  establish friendships and relationships for the development of accessible programs that support persons with disabilities.

Ancel & Zully participate in distribution of chairs

At each site visit a representative of the University of Panama was in attendance and actively participated in the distribution process with CCI, CC-P, Fundacion Horizonte Panama. All organizations signed an agreement with FH. Recipients were required to present copies of their national identity card, and personal information on best way to contact them.

Outcomes:

Private meetings followed by formal presentations at a public gathering at the University took place with the Rector of the University, Vice-Rector of Planning, Vice-Rector of Architecture, Vice-Rector of Off Campus Learning.

University of Panama will become an accessible educational institution for all.

Fundacion Horizonte Panama signed an agreement of understanding with University of Panama that would support the work with CCI.

Zully and Ancel participated in the distribution process at the following locations:

• Asilo de Pecora with support of Centro de Salud and Fundacion Hope Worldwide 60
• Fundacion Todo Tuyo – 60
• Hospital de Las Tablas – 50
• Hospital San Felix, Comarca y Centro de Salud -100
• Asilo de Ansianos de David, Asociacion de Adventista de Coquito, Comunal de Potrerillos in Chiriqui – 110 (by way of CC-P)
• Parroquia Nuestra Senora del Rosario en San Miguelito in Panama City -55
• University of Panama, Office of Equiparacion and Opportunities –  50
• Colon, Santiago, Chrorrera, El valle, Penonome, Sona and Darien – 65

A young volunteer with a disability helps others

A young recipient is helped to receive her wheelchair

Expresses gratitude
to receive the gift of mobility