WHY HERE?
Why We Work in Ngäbe‑Buglé Island Communities
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Life in the island communities of Loma Partida and Cerro Brujo is shaped by distance, limited access to services, and the strength of Indigenous culture. Children often travel long distances to reach school, youth have few structured opportunities, and women carry immense responsibility with limited support.
These challenges are not the result of a lack of ability or motivation — they are the result of isolation and decades of underinvestment.
UMeUs was born from living here, listening here, and being part of the community. For five years, we’ve worked side‑by‑side with families, women, and youth to create practical, meaningful support that reflects their priorities and honors their knowledge.
We are here because this is home, and because lasting change grows from trust, presence, and partnership.
Our Three Pillars
1
Education Access & Learning Support
Every child deserves the chance to learn. We help remove the barriers that keep children from attending school and succeeding academically.
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Daily school transportation
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Academic support and tutoring
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School supplies and uniforms
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Learning environments that build confidence and curiosity
Education opens doors that geography has closed.
2
Youth Development & Leadership
Young people are the future of their communities. We create safe, supportive spaces where youth can grow, lead, and explore their potential.
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Youth leadership activities
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Cultural and environmental learning
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Community engagement projects
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Mentorship and life‑skills development
Youth deserve pathways, not obstacles.
3
Women's Leadership & Economic Empowerment
Women are the backbone of community resilience. We support Indigenous women through training, employment, and opportunities to lead.
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Solar‑powered community restaurant employing local women
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Skills development and micro‑enterprise support
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Leadership roles in community projects
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Safe, dignified work environments
When women rise, the whole community rises.
While our core pillars guide our work, we also support families through practical, community‑driven initiatives:
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School nutrition and food support
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Community infrastructure (docks, bathrooms, water systems)
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Family assistance during times of need
These efforts strengthen stability, dignity, and daily well‑being.
Our Impact
Five Years of Partnership & Progress
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200+ children supported through education and transportation
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40+ Indigenous women engaged in leadership and livelihood programs
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60+ families supported through food and community initiatives
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4 community infrastructure projects completed
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Continuous presence in territory since 2019
Our impact grows from long‑term relationships and shared commitment.
How you can help
Your Support Creates Opportunity
Your contribution helps us keep children in school, support Indigenous women leaders, and create safe spaces for youth to grow and thrive.
About UMeUs
UMeUs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to community‑led development in Ngäbe‑Buglé territories of Panama. We work alongside families, women, and youth to expand education, strengthen livelihoods, and build opportunity.
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Contact: raquel@umeuslive.org
