HIV/AIDS Project

Project Summary

HIV/AIDS is a worldwide epidemic and a significant issue in Panama. Due to lack of resources and education the disease has spread throughout the nation. HIV/AIDS has reached over 20,0000 people in Panama. This project focuses on spreading awareness of the disease and preventing its growth. Volunteers will be working with local communities, organizations, and schools to educate others about HIV/AIDS and practice healthy lifestyles. Volunteers will also help to provide counseling and testing procedures. If you choose to take part in this program, you will have the opportunity to fight and prevent a significant global issue.

Skill/Qualification

Volunteers with little or no Spanish are requested to enroll in our Spanish language classes, as it is very difficult to volunteer without being able to speak and understand Spanish. The Spanish classes are not expensive. We do ask for volunteers to have passion for public community outreach and other health related activities.

Volunteer's Responsibilities

There are many things a volunteer can do at the HIV/AIDS project. Volunteers will help design presentation materials, travel with the local organization to educate communities and help organize local presentations. Volunteers will also need to organize a ‘teen center’ to educate and counsel young people of the surrounding community. Daily activities also include helping the local health clinic.

Project Location

The project is located in Herrera province. The main town in Herrera is Chitre. The province lies on the Azuero Peninsula and is famous for sugarcane production. It’s a predominantly rural place with agriculture as the main industry. There are also large carnivals that place in Herrera in towns like Chitre and Parita. Chitre has a population of about 25 thousand and is a lively town with shopping centers, hotels, car rentals and restaurants.

In general, Panama has a great many opportunities for you to explore. There are thousands of plant and bird species in Panama to observe. Panama City is close to many of our projects and volunteers are encouraged to take a short trip and experience the city. Panama City is the capital and the largest city and is full of history and urban splendors. For those working in projects in Azuero there are awesome sights to see on the Azuero Peninsula. There is Artisan fairs in Las Tablas and many festivals in Herrera. Panama is full of delightful beaches for volunteers to explore and relax during their free time.