Jesuit High School, New Orleans and the community of Sabana Grande, Panama have fun in the rain

Following a lengthy bus ride out from Panama City, we arrived at Sabana Grande accompanied by grey skies and plenty of rain. The inclement weather, however, did not stop us from introducing ourselves and socializing with the locals. Our group also started a game of pick-up soccer, the sport which would create lasting memories for both the Americans playing and the Panamanians who joined in.

Throughout our stay at Sabana Grande, we worked tirelessly on the court during the day alongside local volunteers, but as the sun set we learned more about local culture, cuisine, and tradition. We conversed with many of the people we worked with as well as those we did not to learn about different jobs they have, their relations and family, and how the townspeople function together.

 The local cooks fed us some of their delicious home-cooked meals, such as sancocho, mango salad, and tamales, which they taught us how to make. Every night, children from the town joined our group in soccer matches that provided ample opportunity to bond with and discover more about their personalities and the lives they live.

Having been removed from the comforts and conveniences of our homes in the states, our group of volunteers was quickly approached with many challenges. Though we were forced to acclimate to the heat, the bugs, a different language, and a new way of life, our group did not fail to find joy in our surroundings and appreciate what was given to us by the locals. Through this experience of hard work, we learned not only to adapt to an unfamiliar environment and work through a language barrier but also to open up to and connect with a new group of people and accept and learn about a new culture. Courts for Kids, through our trip to Sabana Grande, has given us an unforgettable experience in a new place that will undoubtedly impact us for the rest of our lives.

Quotes from volunteers:

I learned from the community that you don’t have to be materially wealthy to be happy. The people here really only have the basic necessities and even though this is their situation, they are still happy and have fun with their friends. ~ Jose Rincon

Before arriving in Panama, I had stereotypes that the people were all very poor and sad. However, I learned that they had all they needed and were much happier than most Americans.  ~ Ben Cimini

The most difficult part of going home is leaving all the friends I have made on this beautiful experience. Every day I was here I would grow closer and closer to all the locals. The locals welcomed me with open arms and I will be forever gratefull. ~ Cole Couvillon

My high point from the trip was definitely the final stride of completing the court. Seeing your hard work from the past few days finally come to an end was a great feeling. When it was finished, everyone began to celebrate and take pictures together. ~ Ethan Shankle

My favorite memories from the trip all happen with other people around me. We finished the court as a group and I got to be in a work group with all my friends. My favorite memory overall was just sitting at break, eating snacks, and hanging out with my friends. You don’t get many other chances to be in such a cool, new place, doing something good for others with good people around you. ~ Andrew Carvallino

To pick my favorite memories from this trip would be impossible, seeing as how they are all so amazing but I will say 3 that come to mind. The first is finishing the court. I feel so blessed to have been able to pour the last wheelbarrow of concrete and those few moments will stick with me forever. The second is the town celebration, specifically the parade and how they delegated me to hold the flag. Lastly, is any and all the conversation I had with the locals. I really, truly appreciate the chance to practice my Spanish and all these people have been amazing. Moises, Carlos, Isaac, all of them.  ~ Samuel Schlafer

Community Quotes:

It was an amazing experience to create a bond of friendship with all the volunteers despite feeling sad upon their departure. The memories of everyone coming together to play soccer every night and the days of work with rain and lots of laughs will remain forever in everyone’s minds. We are very thankful for considering Sabana Grande in the projects and all the effort that the volunteers put into making this court a reality. ~ Isaac Moreno, young community member

We started having meetings with CFK staff and the community for this project since 2022 and the whole experience reminded us all that big projects require patience and joint efforts. We are very grateful that youth in Sabana Grande were able to have this exchange with youth from the United States. I know this exchange will have a profound impact on their lives, their studies, and working decisions. ~ Chito Moreno, Sabana Grande Representante and community leader

The level of community participation and support is something that I haven’t seen for ages. Over the years, our community became used to being passive actors and waiting for the government to provide the community projects like this. But after the court, everyone gained back a sense of empowerment and realized that the community itself can create big changes. Now everyone is excited to continue organizing more fundraising events for a court roof, and other improvements in the community that have been long-awaited.  ~ Simon Moreno, contractor.