El trabajo que no forma deforma
(A job that doesn't built you, destroys you)
Having the monumental task of convincing so many creative minds as well as publishers to come together and create something never done before in Panama; not to gain anything, but to change a way of thinking. We had to change the mindset of an entire culture that had grown accustomed to the use of children in the workforce, the difference between a healthy constructive part-time job and exploitation. This initiative came from the nonprofit organization Casa Esperanza (House of Hope) a home for rescued children from exploitation scenarios where they were now given a humane home and education proving them with the proper psychological and emotional support to reintegrate them into society.
El curriculum
(The curriculum of children)
We printed a book, simple to understand, a resume that would be translated to native American languages with info-graphics, real data and accurate job descriptions for each field. This book was able to identify true face of this terrible cancer in Panama called child labor.
Algo que todos queremos compartir.
(Something that we all want to share).
We sent a copy of this book to a selection of influential people and government official such as the First Lady, Ambassadors from the United Nations and even left some copies in key points such as libraries, coffee shops, and other greeting points in the search for public reaction and real political intervention.
I was grateful and full of joy to be able to witness how we over-passed expectations of response! Casa Esperanza was receiving donations left and right, local new, bloggers, and even political figures were addressing the topic using our campaign and hashtags as banners; we were provoking conversation, we were causing a public reaction.
Los increíbles resultados.
(The incredible results).
By the end of the year, child labor in Panama has dropped significantly versus the rest of Central and South America and it kept growing in the following years to the point where even local news took notice. We took notice and decided to continue to run the campaign.
De campaña a movimiento
(from a campaign to an entire movement).
We didn't just sell an idea, we changed our city forever. Connecting all generations in order to find a real solution and open people's eyes to the reality we faced was beyond my imagination.
Respuesta de la primera dama.
(Answer from the First Lady).
"Panama confirms its compromise with Latin and Caribbean Region's initiative against child labor with the purpose of accelerating the eradication of child labor and enforcing children's rights across the nation"
Lorena Castillo de Varela
First lady of the Republic of Panama
2017.
Resultados palpables.
(Tangible results).
Child labor drops down 12% in only two years (2014-2016).
Panama is currently the country with less child labor.
El documental
(The documentary)
I never intended to have a documentary made for us and this project. But I owe to myself to accept that this time, we made a difference.