Chepo, Panama Mission

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The local superior of the mission, Andre Weller, centers his attention on the two larger cities, Chepo and Margaritas. Andre finds helpful his previous mission experience in Nicaragua and his work in Jerusalem with the Catholic Middle East Association. His devotion to improve the quality of living for his people found a valuable outlet in promoting their educational opportunities. His New Horizon program assists pregnant unmarried young girls to finish their schooling to prepare themselves to help their child to a better life. He recently imported from Wisconsin the “Baby, Think It Over” model to help young girls - and boys - experience what teen age pregnancy could be like.

Photos

Kevin Heagerty has coordinated efforts for an "Indian House" in Chepo, where Indian students from outlying areas can come to live and do their high school studies.

Kevin with the Indian leader and a volunteer

Indian Youth dance in their colorful dresses

Andre Weller, the local Capuchin coordinator in Panama, has worked
in various overseas missions for thirty-six years. He is pictured here
on a boat trip through the Panama Canal which has been in operation
for 90 years.

"Baby,Think it Over" - a program developed in Wisconsin to help teenagers realize what it means to care for a baby. The computerized "baby" acts as a three month old.

Students In the local high school experience what it would be like to be mom or dad - the demands of the baby are more than the teenager is capable of handling

All smiles here.....but in real life, what a change! A "child" caring for a child!

Boys also get a chance to see what it would be to be a dad!

Click here for photo's from Wacuco

Click here for photo's from Tocumen