The Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology -UMECIT- held the official closing of its institutional campaign “Good Deeds – Actions with Purpose 2026”, an initiative developed during the Month of Good Deeds with the aim of promoting solidarity, inclusion and social commitment within the university community.

The closing day, held on May 7, brought together academic authorities, students, strategic partners and social organizations, demonstrating the positive impact of the solidarity actions promoted by UMECIT for the benefit of different communities.

As part of the program, the presentation was developed “Volunteering as a springboard to professional life”, led by Jorge Frías, a graduate of UMECIT and National Coordinator of Fundación Techo Panamá, who encouraged attendees to recognize volunteering as an enriching experience for personal and professional growth.

Likewise, the panel was held “United with Purpose”, Moderated by Jannis Brizeño, University Welfare Coordinator, with the participation of representatives from the Oír es Vivir Foundation, the Techo Panamá Foundation and the Perfectos Diferentes movement, who shared inspiring experiences on inclusion, community work and social transformation.

During the event, certificates of participation were also awarded to students from different majors who actively joined social initiatives developed together with partner organizations:

• Nursing students participated alongside MIDES in the delivery of gift baskets to mothers of limited means at the Irma de Lourdes Tzanetatos Hospital.
• Criminalistics students collaborated in community construction days in Arraiján together with the Techo Panamá Foundation.
• Social Work students supported the Crematolón organized by the 20-30 Club of Las Cumbres.

One of the most emotional moments of the day was the participation of the family of the child who benefited from the donation of a hearing aid managed by UMECIT together with the Oír es Vivir Foundation, a solidarity action that reflects the institutional commitment to inclusion and the transformation of lives through concrete actions.

Within this framework, the Directorate of Extension and Social Engagement also presented the institutional volunteer program. “Hands that Transform UMECIT”, an initiative aimed at strengthening student, faculty and administrative participation in social impact projects.

The event began with opening remarks from Vice-Rector Hermes Mauricio Cierra, who emphasized the importance of strengthening an institutional culture based on empathy, social responsibility, and service to the community. Also participating was Itzy Mosquera de Rodríguez, National Director of Volunteering at the Ministry of Social Development (MIDES), who shared her insights on volunteering as a tool for social transformation and civic development.

Likewise, a special recognition was given to Ana Larisa Cabrera, Coordinator of Communication and Alliances of Volunteers of Panama, for her valuable support and contribution to strengthening the culture of volunteering at the university.

All these actions were developed in a coordinated manner between the University Welfare Coordination and the Directorate of Extension and Social Linkage, reaffirming UMECIT's commitment to a transformative education, focused on the training of professionals with human sensitivity, leadership and social responsibility.