The "Golden Age" Social Outreach Project successfully concludes at the La Chorrera headquarters

The Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology -UMECIT-, successfully completed the Golden Age Project – Second Group, a social and community initiative aimed at the comprehensive strengthening of the elderly of the township of Vacamonte.

The project was developed over 10 sessions of classes and training, with the active participation of 20 senior citizens, as well as the presence of the President of the Pensioners and Retirees of Arraiján and the President of the Retirees and Pensioners of La Chorrera, strengthening the joint work with community organizations.

The overall coordination of the project was led by Mr. Alexis Del Cid, Extension Coordinator at the La Chorrera campus, with the support of Mr. Ernesto Martínez, Campus Coordinator; Ms. Mirian Aparicio, Academic Coordinator of the Psychology, Social Work and Preschool area; Ms. América Martez, Research Coordinator; Ms. Kerubis Harris, from the Legal Clinic; Professor Víctor Tejada, from the Psychological Clinic, and the valuable support of the campus administrative team. 

Project Impact

The Golden Age Project's main purpose was to strengthen the overall well-being of older adults by promoting their academic development, personal empowerment, continued employment, family integration, and active participation in society. Key impacts include:

• More active, empowered, and socially integrated older adults.
  
  
• Strengthening the family fabric and intergenerational relationships.
  
  
• More inclusive and supportive communities.
  
  
• Generating new economic and social opportunities, especially through entrepreneurship.
  
  

Multidisciplinary approach and training

The project was developed under a multidisciplinary approach, integrating the participation of students, teachers and UMECISTAS graduate professionals, especially from the area of Law, allowing to address in an integrated way the educational, emotional, legal, labor, family and community dimensions of the elderly.

The training sessions were delivered by professionals and partner organizations, including:

• David Reyes, a graduate of UMECIT in Law and Political Science, representing the Legal Clinic.
  
  
• Prof. Mirna Samaniego, in computer science and artificial intelligence.
  
  
• Prof. Libardo Martínez, on medicinal plants.
  
  
• Ginelle Villalobos, undergraduate student in marketing and advertising.
  
  
• AMPYME officials, in entrepreneurship.
  
  
• Officials from the Ministry of Environment, in environmental education.
  
  
• ACODECO, with a consumer focus.
  
  
• SINAPROC, with first aid workshops.
  
  

Additionally, the UMECIT Psychological Clinic – La Chorrera branch, under the coordination of Prof. Víctor Tejada and with the support of Psychology students, provided psycho-emotional support to the participants.

Closing ceremony and screenings

On January 30, 2026, the project's closing ceremony took place, during which certificates of appreciation were given to trainers and partner institutions, and completion certificates were given to the 20 participating senior citizens, recognizing their commitment and learning.

As a result of the project, new entrepreneurs were identified, who were incorporated into UMECIT's external entrepreneur database, strengthening future opportunities for economic and social development.

Currently, UMECIT is holding talks with the National Directorate for the Elderly of MIDES, with a view to developing joint projects with the Ministry of Culture, including initiatives such as theater productions and the formation of the UMECIT Elderly Folkloric Ensemble – La Chorrera branch.

The Golden Age Project is an institutional initiative with plans to expand throughout the province of Panama West, reaffirming UMECIT's commitment to lifelong learning, social inclusion, and the comprehensive development of communities.