Curundú Students Give a Christmas Concert at the U.S. Embassy

December 20th, 2011

Students from the Centro Educativo Marie Poussepin

Ambassador Powers during the event

Students from the Centro Educativo Marie Poussepin in Curundú offered a Holiday Concert today in the U.S. Embassy, where they delighted Embassy staff and their families with music, singing, and folk dances.  U.S. Ambassador Phyllis Powers gave the words of welcome to the students and the staff of the school, led by the school Director Sister Mariela Calderon.

The United States Embassy, through the Agency for International Development (USAID), donated approximately $10,000 to Centro Educativo Marie Poussepin to help develop a music education program that would provide the youth of Curundú with positive alternatives and a productive use of their free time. The objective of the Centro Educativo  Marie Poussepin is to reduce juvenile delinquency by strengthening self-esteem and character through music.

Ambassador Powers said “I believe the development of artistic activities is very important. The Embassy is proud to be able to help, through USAID, in the purchase of these music instruments so children and young people can develop a passion for music and artistic expression.” The Ambassador also thanked the teachers for their hard work and for providing these opportunities to youth. She added that she “hopes the support received benefits not only the youth of Curundú, but everyone living there.”

Ambassador Powers presented each student with a wrapped gift. The gifts were part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program that collects toys from the Panamanian community and members of the U.S. Embassy. The objective of the Toys for Tots program is to deliver a message of hope and joy at Christmas time to less fortunate children by providing them with the gift of a new toy. Mail Boxes Etc.’s help was instrumental in the collection of toys by providing four of its locations as drop off points.

The United States Embassy is proud to participate in community outreach activities focused on youth and civil society development.