Panama
Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Education, local environmental organizations
Qualified candidates will have an expressed interest in promoting environmental awareness in schools and communities, and one or more of the following criteria:
•Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any field
OR
•5 years' professional work experience
All candidates who meet the required skills are encouraged to apply. Additional skills that may make you a more competitive candidate include:
Knowledge or skills in watershed, natural resource management, reforestation, organic gardening, waste management, or ecology.
Experience or interest in facilitating environmental education and conservation activities with teachers, youth, and other community members.
Volunteers will live in a mix of rural and semi-urban communities ranging from approximately 150 to 5,000 people. Housing will likely include simple concrete block walls with cement or tile floors and a corrugated tin roof. Communities will generally have basic utilities and infrastructure, including cell phone signal, treatable water, and electricity, although the reliability of these services may vary. Volunteers must live with a host family during their first 3-4 months of service, after which they may opt to move into independent housing.
(PCV) Spanish 1
Environment
Yes
Panama
24
Yes
PCV
No
Facilitate community environmental assessments to identify local conservation needs and develop projects that address these priorities.
Plan and facilitate environmental education clubs and camps for youth to build awareness and leadership skills.
Facilitate hands-on activities in schools such as gardens, tree planting, recycling, or waste management initiatives.
Organize and support community clean-ups and recycling events to strengthen local capacity.
Train and guide community members to establish and maintain tree nurseries and reforestation efforts.
Facilitate workshops on constructing and using fuel-efficient stoves to reduce deforestation.
Mentor youth and community groups to sustain eco-friendly practices and environmental leadership.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as English conversation clubs and team sports.
As a Community Environmental Conservation Promoter, you will be trained to promote environmental education and facilitate community-based conservation activities. Peace Corps/Panama will teach you Spanish to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community.
After 10 weeks of training, you will move to a rural or semi-urban community where you will collaborate with schools, local organizations, and community members. You will work with the community to assess the local needs and develop solutions based on locally appropriate environmental conservation practices.
Gain hands-on experience in environmental education and natural resource management while working directly with communities and government partners to protect ecosystems.
Build Spanish language and project management skills by collaborating with local organizations, schools, and government agencies.
Immerse yourself in Panama’s rich culture and uniquely biodiverse natural heritage.
Only heterosexual couples can be accepted for this program.
Each person must apply separately and qualify for a position in the same sector as their partner.
Couples will live together during training but may separate occasionally for field-based activities.
Couples who are selected for the same sector will live together but work with different local partners, which may be in the same community or in neighboring communities (not more than 30 minutes apart)., Cohabitating couples are highly encouraged to present themselves as married throughout service due to cultural expectations.
As the preeminent international service organization of the United States, the Peace Corps sends Americans with a passion for service abroad to work with communities and create lasting change. Volunteers develop sustainable solutions to address challenges in Education, Health, Economic Development, Agriculture, Environment and Youth Development. Through their Peace Corps experiences, Volunteers gain a unique cultural understanding and a lifelong commitment to service that positions them to succeed in today's global economy. Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 240,000 Americans of all ages have served in 142 countries worldwide.
