Delegates to the U.S. Grains Council’s 52nd Annual Board of Delegates meeting in Vancouver were treated to a spirited update from Kurt Shultz, the Council’s regional director for the Americas, on the Foundation’s gift last February of $16, 450 to the Malambo Orphanage outside Panama City, Panama. The gift was the result of an outreach visit undertaken during the Council’s annual International Marketing Conference, held this year in Panama.
In Vancouver, Shultz updated Delegates about the exciting projects in which the orphanage has invested the Foundation’s gift. These programs have included youth group activities encouraging learning about agriculture, gardening, and life skills that will help Malambo’s children build self-awareness and confidence. The Foundation’s support has also financed the start of an income generating honey production project at the orphanage’s off-site farm.
A special highlight for the children was a group-participation, mural painting activity led by local Panamanian artist, Frank Ferrer. Painting the mural helped build a sense of pride and community. Before painting, the children discussed topics ranging from the environment to the future of Panama, and then were asked to draw something related to the topic and share it with the group. The drawings were then enlarged by Ferrer onto the wall and the children were able to paint and show off their creative talents.
One of the children, Mariyela, was especially happy to participate, as she is normally left out of activities since she is confined to a wheelchair. The school director commented multiple times that she was very pleased with the activities and the finished product. The children were not only excited about the project but also felt truly proud of what they have created. During the painting, one of the caretakers commented to an 8-year-old boy, “I didn’t know you knew how to paint!” He responded, “Neither did I, but I can, and it turned out great!” The personal ideas and imagination of the children through this mural have added to Malambo’s warmth, community, and aesthetic beauty.
Please click here to see photos of the mural painting activity.
On behalf of the Malambo Orphanage, the Grains Foundation, and the U.S. Grains Council, thanks to all our members who stepped up so generously to make this project possible. Improving lives is part of the Council’s mission, and in Malambo, we have made a difference for 150 happy kids. Thank you.
Malambo Orphanage, founded in 1890, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization, run by the Catholic Sisters of Mercy. They provide a permanent home to approximately 150 children from newborn to 18 years of age. Many children have been abandoned, come from abusive homes, have severe medical issues, or debilitating physical deformities. In addition, the orphanage is home to a school for over 500 students from the local community. The school educates students of all ages and its high school offers specialization in agriculture, ecotourism, and trade with a specialization in tourism services. The school also offers a vocational program in the industries of beauty, dressmaking, pottery, and baking.