COLOMBIA REPATRIATION
In 2003, the Panamanian government attempted to forcibly repatriate many of the refugees who had come to Jaque to escape the Jurado massacre in 1999. BRIDGES was instrumental in providing cameras to those who were being coerced to leave, so that they could document the process. (More about Colombia Repatriation)
YOUTH LEADERSHIP GATHERING
What an amazing experience! We achieved our stated purpose of giving hope, opportunity to grow, and pockets full of good memories to young people who live life in the midst of war. Jaque, Darien, Panama is the last town on the border of Jurado, Colombia, site of numerous massacres that prompted mass exodus over the “imaginary” line. (More about Youth Leadership Gathering)
EDUCATIONAL SPONSORSHIP
Paula first came under our wings at our first Summer Youth Leadership Gathering in Jaque, Darien, Panama. She was a real dynamo of about 16 years old with a vibrant personality. Right away, she took on helping us to coordinate the camp activities. She was a Colombian refugee who had crossed the border with her family after the massacre in Jurado, Choco’. Life isn’t easy as an externally displaced person in Panama… (More about Paula’s story)