In an emotional ceremony, approximately 95 prisoners from the ‘Cecilia Orillac de Chiari’ Women’s Rehabilitation Center (CEFERE), received from the authorities of the Ministry of Education their certificate of completion of studies at the high school and high school levels. after successfully completing the academic curriculum.
The event took place at the Rosa Virginia Pelletier Educational Center, which is located within the CEFERE facilities. Of these graduates, 32 students achieved their Bachelor of Commerce degree. Student Delkis Pardo, who ranked first in her class, expressed her desire to enter university and resocialize, pointing out that no matter how many falls along the way, there is always an opportunity to get up and move forward.
Meanwhile, in pre-medium education, 63 students completed their studies. One of them is Apyuribe Palacio, first place in Ninth grade, who stated that a wall is not an impediment to achieving what they propose and highlighted that graduating is an achievement. He added that, “everything in the penitentiary center is not bad, I am beginning a new stage of my life and thank God I am graduating and going for more.”
Érida Morales, National Director of Youth and Adults of Meduca, pointed out that, for many prisoners, the road to this day has not been easy. Maybe there were moments of doubt, personal or professional challenges, family responsibilities that seemed inescapable. But despite everything, they are here, proving that it is never too late to fulfill a dream and that learning has no age or limit.
Second place in twelfth grade was taken by Vilma Matos and third place by Katherine Montenegro; while, in ninth grade there was a tie for first place with Leonidas Ríos occupying the other position; the second place was Virginia Villareal and the third was Carmen St. John.
During the ceremony, the scroll and the Guillermo Andreve medal were awarded to the first place in the twelfth grade, as they obtained the highest qualification. In addition, the other positions of honor also received recognition from the authorities.
Participating in the event were Zoraida Castillo, coordinator of Youth and Adults in Central Panama; Juventino Vásquez, national deputy director of Youth and Adults; Ernesto Barrantes, Regional Parent Coordinator; Vielka González head of Treatment and Rehabilitation of the Ministry of Government on behalf of the Director General, among others.
