'Education in Panama Began in 1903 ' Education

Sweetness from Earth, the Universe (Contact Member) -

When education in Panama began after independence from Colombia in 1903 the first efforts were extremely paternalistic in their goals.

It started out by giving a child the education required for him to succeed in the social position tht he would or should occupy.

This to me was a terrible way to educate children.

However, under the influence of the United States this began to change to a more progressive educational system. To this day Panama has maintained this type of system and it's success is shown by the fact that in 1980 only 13 percent of Panamanians over the age of 10 were illiterate.

Now this is more like it.

Comment #1 PokerPrincess from Canada, Earth (Contact Member) -

That's quite interesting that they were only educated if they were at a certain station in society. However, isn't that the way education in England started as well?

But I am so very glad to see that it didn't last long and that each child gets the benefit of being educated equally.

In fact I think it is darn amazing that there is only a 13% illiteracy rate in the country. I don't think that too many countries can boast that low of a percentage.

Comment #2 Mary (63.176.159.243) -

That is real interesting that they educated children that way. I never knew that only 13% of Panamanians over the age of 10 were illiterate, that is pretty good.

Comment #3 Ace (63.176.159.162) -

Well, every country has a deep dark sometimes vile history either concerning about internal or external wars. Of course if this scenario can still be seen now, I believe different Global Organization will see to it that this will be changed (like the U.N., let's say). Though there are indeed still a number of children who are illiterate, pointing out those in Africa which requires everyone's kind hearts to help out.

Comment #4 Sacaz (63.176.159.85) -

This is just one of the many alarming issues that should immediately be addressed by concerned international groups such as UNESCO or the United Nations. The War and Anti-Terrorism Pursuit may still be a priority but I believe that education should still be the top most priority of every government. Why do you think that these terrorists came to be? It is because of poverty and lack of education, if only they were brought up in a peaceful way to settle things with the government through education but sadly they were deprived of it.

Comment #5 moy (63.176.159.93) -

Indeed, history has a way of teaching good and often valuable lessons, often the hard way.

The kind of education that teaches children to only stick to a particular sector of the economy in my view deprived them of the unique ability of spreading their wings.

I agree with you Sacaz about terrorism being aggravated by harsh living conditions. That is however the major cause.

All governments should make education a priority.

Comment #6 cwemoy (63.176.159.231) -

Sweetness, I know statistics are a good way to show the real picture of things. You have quoted that by 1980, about thirteen percent of Panamanians over the age of ten were illiterate. A lot could have happened between then and now. The situation could have improved or deteriorated depending on how far the Panamanian government was willing to adjust policies that seemed not to be working. I am curious to know the current trend of things.

Comment #7 Steven (63.176.159.150) -

I think i have to agree with post number six, it is a long time since 1980, i think there had been a great improvement that took place with the country's education. And to think that we are now in the computer age and high technology, who knows, they must have adopted the trend.

I think the best way to know the real score is by visiting some good site in Panama.

Comment #8 Dain (63.176.159.33) -

So let's look at the current situation of the literacy of Panama.

According to "www. factmonster. com/ipka/ A0107870.html" there is an estimated of 93% in 2003.

And according to "www. unicef.org /infobycountry/ panama.html":

"Significant milestones have been achieved in education. The literacy rate among the population aged 15-24 is over 96 per cent, with the rate for women being equal to the rate for men."

That a lot of improvement. Good job for the Panama's Government

Comment #9 Lolly (63.176.159.223) -

That is a good news, considering that Panama had experienced a huge education difficulties in the past years.

And for those country who have a huge number of illiterate people, i mean to say those people who do not have formal eduction, hope they can manage to seek ways to fight this problem.

Try to check this link out to learn more about the Panama's way of education and more.

• www.mapsofworld.com/south-america/education/panama.html

Comment #10 Jim from New York (Contact Member) -

"Education difficulty"

The link you posted, is it self an education difficulty!

Let's look at it:

www.mapsofworld.com

/south-america

/education

/panama.html

Oh oh! Panama is in Central America, not South America.

Comment #11 Eve (63.176.159.212) -

I cannot believe how long ago education had began over in Panama. That is extraordinary compared to the Caribbean, I believe.

Comment #12 Ning (63.176.159.13) - 12/08/09 23:39

Yeah, that was a very long ago, and thank God that little by little Panama is going to be very competitive when it comes to its literacy rate.

Hey, Eve, you mentioned something about the Caribbean and compares Panama to it, how does this two differ or are there any similarities? Thanks a lot. Hope to hear from you soon Eve.

Comment #13 Eve (63.176.159.121) - 12/14/09 13:56

Well, in Panama, I am certain that the level of education is significantly high as it started such a long time ago. In my country in particular, the education level for high school is extremely high, even for tertiary level it is high. The only thing with Trinidad and Tobago, and the Caribbean universities in general is that fact that in these places, the qualifications are only recognized up to a point, as far as the rest of the world goes, and by a select few.

Comment #14 Ichi (63.176.159.12) - 12/29/09 21:01

So that is how the education in those countries are at present.

Comment #15 bryan (63.176.159.238) - 01/19/10 17:46

yea the caribbean people have a pretty sounds education system. Tertiary education is currently free for all citizens of this country at the moment.

Comment #16 controversy (62.229.68.142) - 02/22/10 22:55

i have heard so myself, but i believe that most places in the world have pretty sound education systems.

E-Mail:         

Name:            (required)

Title:           (required)

Message (do not enter emails or links or urls in the message!):