The Metropolitan School of Panama is proud to announce that its students are making a difference in their community and have received funding from Nord Anglia Education's Community Investment Fund to support their student-led social impact project, "La Primavera Community Project." This new round of funding empowers MET students to contribute meaningfully to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Created and led by ninth-graders Valentina C., Federico C., María Josefina Ll., and Laura M., the project aims to build a safe playground for the La Primavera community in Pedregal, Panama City.
"La Primavera Community Project" is one of 23 projects chosen to receive a Social Impact Grant from Nord Anglia's funding pool, which now totals over US$580,000 invested across 45 student-run initiatives in Nord Anglia's 87 international schools.
Aligned with SDG 10, "Reduced Inequalities," the project was guided by MET teachers Mr. Michael McKevett and Mrs. Laura Gonzalez. With this grant, students can now address the community's needs and create a better future for its residents.
Students were motivated by their observation of the La Primavera community's lack of safe play spaces for children. Dedicated play areas are crucial for children's physical well-being, enjoyment, and social development. Through playful interaction with peers, children learn valuable skills in communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution.
The funding from Nord Anglia's Social Impact Grants will enable MET students to expand and enhance community activities while targeting specific UN SDGs. In collaboration with UNICEF, MET and Nord Anglia Education are committed to contributing to these global goals by the 2030 deadline.
Dr. Leslie Williams, Senior Programme Lead for Social Impact and Giving at Nord Anglia, commented:
"As well as taking initiative to make change in their communities, these grants are about learning valuable skills that have real-world impact. Whether that’s budgeting supplies or balancing schoolwork with their projects, these are the skills that can set up our students for real future success.”
Nord Anglia's Student Advisory Board, comprised of student representatives from all 87 schools, reviews each funding application, ensuring student voices are heard throughout the approval process. Proposals are then evaluated by Nord Anglia's Grants Committee, which includes members of the Education Advisory Board, Nord Anglia Principals, and teachers.
To learn more about "La Primavera Community Project" and hear directly from our MET students leading the initiative, go to our social media channels! You can watch a
video interview where our students share details about this exciting project!
