Programs and Events

On Saturday, May 13, 2006, the U.S. Embassy collaborated with Habitat for Humanity on a home building project. Almost 45 members of the Embassy community worked side-by-side with home owners to construct houses. Among the volunteers were Americans and Panamanians from various sections of the US Embassy, and representatives from Balboa Academy and Girl Scouts.
 
Ambassador William Eaton’s participation boosted everyone's efforts during the event. 
 
The volunteers dug ditches, leveled floors, built decorative brick windows, and mixed cement. Some worked on weeding out plants and others who taught the locals the names of the tools in English as they worked.  Some teased each other about their favorite sports figures while others shared about their daily challenges.

The Nuevo Mexico No.2 community was deeply moved as Ambassador Eaton announced that each of the 14 families currently building will receive two bunk beds, a refrigerator, a stove, a plastic table, a garbage container and bikes for the children as a result of efforts between US Coast Guard and SMN.
 
It was a productive and exhausting day which ended with several families committed to return in one week, while others plan to return soon thereafter.  Some had blisters on their hands, but were satisfied with their efforts for the day.