Agreement between UMECIT and FUNDESEN promotes physical literacy and inclusion from the academic world.

The Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology (UMECIT) and the Senshi Development Foundation (FUNDESEN) signed an Academic, Scientific and Social Cooperation Agreement, which consolidates the commitment of both institutions to promote research, training, and inclusive action related to physical literacy and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD).

This initiative, promoted by the Equity and Inclusion Unit of the Department of University Well-being, reflects UMECIT's commitment to building equitable and accessible education, forging partnerships between academia, the community, and sports to promote inclusion.

The event took place in the Conference Hall of the UMECIT Founders Building, with the presence of university authorities, teachers, and researchers committed to educational innovation and inclusion.

Representing the Rector, José Alberto Nieto Rojas, the main panel was chaired by Mr. Santiago Nieto, Vice-Rector for Institutional Projects, accompanied by Mr. Eduardo Frías, President of the Senshi Development Foundation (FUNDESEN) and Member of the Panamanian Olympic Committee.

During the ceremony, Master Andrea Pinzón, Coordinator of Agreements and Internationalization, officially read the agreement, which establishes the foundations for technical, scientific, and educational collaboration between the two institutions.

Mr. Eduardo Frías shared a message on the importance of physical literacy as a tool for comprehensive development, followed by the screening of FUNDESEN's institutional video, which highlighted its history in the field of inclusive sports and the application of the Senshi methodology.

The closing remarks were given by Dr. Magdy de Las Salas, Director of Research and Innovation, who emphasized the academic relevance of this alliance and the need to strengthen lines of research that promote inclusion, neurodiversity, and social participation through education and sports.

The university authorities accompanied this event:
Mauricio Sierra, Academic Vice-Rector; María Piedad Nieto, Administrative Vice-Rector; Rosa Idalí Castañeda, PhD, Legal and Academic Advisor; Britania Montenegro, Secretary General; Gressy Zúñiga, PhD, Director of Accreditation; Marcela Arana, PhD, Academic Director; Ricardo Camarena, PhD, Planning Director; Yelitza González Zamora, PhD, Director of University Outreach and Social Engagement; Andrea Pinzón, PhD, Coordinator of Agreements and Internationalization; and Abilio Moreno, PhD, Academic Coordinator.

Program coordinators and research professors also participated, including M.G. Claudia Maritza Pérez, Coordinator of the Bachelor's Degrees in Preschool Education and Physical Education and Sports Training, and M.G. Gissel Guerrero, Coordinator of General Psychology.

The UMECIT researchers representing this alliance are Dr. Gyna Spence, Dr. Hilda Swaby, and Dr. Richard González, who will contribute to the development of academic projects derived from the agreement.

UMECIT expressed its gratitude to the Ann Sullivan Center of Panama (CASPAN) for joining this meeting, and to the State Radio and Television System (SERTV) for its support and coverage, strengthening the visibility of joint actions in support of inclusion and equity.

With this agreement, UMECIT reaffirms its commitment to continue building, through academia and in collaboration with strategic partners, a more humane, inclusive, and equitable education system that promotes well-being, research, and equal opportunities for all.