The Women’s World Day of Prayer movement has selected Panama as its focus country this year. Continuing the series which began in World Report 383, the following three stories give a further insight into the work of the Bible Society of Panama and its partners among young people and those on the margins of society. They were gathered by Dag Smemo of the Norwegian Bible Society on behalf of the United Bible Societies.

Literacy skills bring
self-confidence to Cuna people

Cuna father and daughter listening attentively during a literacy class. Panama. Photo: UBS/Dag Smemo (PAN03DJ-379.JPG)

PANAMA — A very short boat ride will take you quickly from the luxury of a tourist hotel in one of Panama’s national parks to Veracruz Community, a Cuna village where, superficially at least, time seems to have stood still. The people who live here, all of whom are Christians, manage without electricity and live in traditional dwellings. Because of the extreme heat and humidity, most of them wear very little clothing, just like their ancestors.

However, closer investigation reveals that in some ways modern life is gradually entering the village. A few of its residents even have mobile phones. Lacking direct access to electricity, they wait until their weekly visit to church to recharge their phone batteries.

Some of the men work close to Panama City and have access to telephones and computers. This produces a stark contrast: somebody whose home has a roof made from palm leaves can be contacted via e-mail! Those who do not leave the village to work devote a lot of time to making craft items for sale to the growing number of tourists who visit the region.

Literacy

Another area in which times are changing for the Cuna people is literacy. Some can read in Spanish, ensuring that they have access to the Bible. However, even those who can read need to improve their literacy skills. Adults and children alike are very eager to learn, reports Nils Bergman, who with his wife Annika has been running a twice-weekly literacy class in the village under the auspices of Alfalit International’s literacy program.

Typically, the whole village, around 30 people, will be waiting to greet Mr and Mrs Bergman, who are both missionaries with the Swedish Medical Mission Foundation, when they arrive in a makeshift boat consisting of a hollowed-out tree trunk and an outboard motor. Crossing the crocodile-infested lake is certainly not the most relaxing form of transport, but the dense rainforest around the village makes it inaccessible by road.

When they have arranged themselves in family groups on the floor, the class begins with a few singing games to create a relaxed atmosphere. They then listen attentively as the Bergmans point to words on a chart and get them to read out loud in turn. Throughout the class, their motivation to learn is clear; even women with young babies are determined to participate.

Nils and Annika Bergman, who work with the Swedish Medical Mission Foundation, teaching literacy in Veracruz Community, a Cuna village. Panama. Photo: UBS/Dag Smemo (PAN03DJ-380.JPG)

The classes themselves may seem quite basic, but the long-term outcomes are significant, says Mr Bergman. “Reading and writing are very important for the future of both children and young people,” he says. “They find it good to be able to read the Bible by themselves. It does something for their self-confidence, especially for an adult who has learnt to read.

Demand

With more Cuna people gaining literacy skills, demand for Bibles is rising. They have a few, but in such high humidity it is hard to keep them in good condition for long. Thanks to funds from the Norwegian Bible Society, every family in the village will now receive a new Bible. (WR 384/9 - 3.04)