In the framework of the regional process of institutional strengthening promoted by Cáritas Latin America and the Caribbean (Cáritas LAC), a meeting was held, from June 9 to 13, by the coordinator of Institutional Strengthening, Ana Mercedes Arias, with Cáritas Panama, which allowed sharing a fraternal space for reflection and projection together with the director Maribel Jaen, the president of Cáritas Monseñor José Domingo Ulloa and the national team.

This support is part of a joint institutional strengthening strategy, in which Cáritas Panama has the support and collaboration of various entities of the regional network, such as Cáritas España, represented by Juan Manuel Díaz, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the Memorare program, contributing to consolidate safeguarding processes and good practices.

This meeting had the purpose of recognizing and encouraging the steps that the institution has been taking on its path towards the implementation of the Safety Management Standards. Cáritas Internationalis (EGCI) and in the consolidation of an organizational culture based on ethics, transparency and safeguarding, in coherence with its identity and ecclesial mission. This process is being developed as part of an integrated institutional strengthening strategy.

Cáritas Panama reaffirmed its commitment to being an institution that preferentially opts for the weak and marginalized in society, with whom it wishes to work with a compassionate and merciful heart, in the style of Jesus, together with its diocesan teams.

From their deep vocation to service, they expressed their desire for peace, justice, freedom and solidarity to prevail in the country, and that we all share, care for and respect the goods of the Common Home. Its mission, inspired by the Gospel, seeks to offer comprehensive responses to poverty, promoting dignity, justice and Good Living.

The visit also made visible the concrete efforts of Cáritas Panama to transversally integrate the principles of conduct, protection and safeguarding into its institutional structures, policies and practices, thus strengthening its internal coherence and its testimony. ecclesial.

At Cáritas LAC we celebrate the commitment, openness and dedication of the Cáritas Panama team, and we renew our desire to continue walking together as a network that protects, transforms and builds hope in the territories, always with people as the center.