Our institution participated in the official launch of La Eco Finca Panamá Oeste Restoration Lab, an initiative aimed at strengthening environmental education, sustainable innovation and youth leadership in high school students in Panama Oeste.

The activity took place at the José Encarnación Escala Educational Center and was organized by CCT Foundation, Panama Eco Fincas Restoration Lab and the Ministry of Education, bringing together students, teachers, institutions and organizations committed to the environmental and educational development of the country.

The event featured the participation of more than eight schools from West Panama, whose students presented ideas and projects focused on eco-farms, sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and innovative ecological solutions. Also present were various entities and institutions, including ISA, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Agricultural Development, the Ministry of Education, the Technological University of Panama, and UMECIT's La Chorrera campus.

During the day, spaces were developed for the exchange of experiences, presentation of environmental proposals and inter-institutional dialogue, allowing participants to share initiatives related to the sustainable management of resources, ecological production and technologies applied to the care of the environment.

Representing UMECIT La Chorrera campus were Campus Coordinator Ernesto Martínez and Extension Coordinator Alexis Del Cid, who reaffirmed the institutional commitment to comprehensive training, sustainability, and academic support for new generations.

As part of this initiative, UMECIT La Chorrera campus plans to play a key role in strengthening the program, promoting the active participation of university students and teachers as mentors for high school students who will be part of the activities of La Eco Finca Panamá Oeste.

This proposal seeks to awaken scientific curiosity, strengthen youth leadership, and guide participants towards academic and professional paths linked to engineering, technology, research, and environmental sustainability.

Likewise, this support is expected to contribute to the training of future researchers, technical advisors and professionals committed to environmental transformation and the sustainable development of communities.

During the closing ceremony, five winning projects were selected from among the participating schools, with one outstanding proposal being implemented as a model project within the Eco Fincas Panamá Oeste program. This selection represents an important step in continuing to promote hands-on environmental education and collaborative work among students, teachers, and institutions.