Despite its idyllic appearance, Boquete possesses a negative side: poverty.

Approximately 18% of Panama’s population lives in poverty, i.e., surviving on less than $2.00 per day.

Although Panama has an overall literacy rate of 92.6%, its rural population has a literacy rate of only 62%. Boquete’s school children come primarily from an agricultural background. Ninety-two percent of the children are indigenous.

Many of their parents, and the children themselves, pick coffee and oranges. Many people lack a healthy diet and suffer from nutritional deficiencies.

The Boquete area has 18 schools, out of which 15 are multi-grade schools (more than one grade per classroom) for children in grades 1 through 6.

Some of those schools have significant infrastructure needs, such as functioning bathrooms, more classrooms, dining areas and hygienic, functional kitchens.  All have nutritional, health and educational needs. Amigos de Boquete currently works with thirteen of the Boquete area schools to provide meals, to improve the schools’ classrooms and kitchens and to aid in the provision of medical care.

Amigos de Boquete works closely with the local health department, providing supplies and transportation so that children can obtain needed medical care, including such basics as fluoride, iron pills and anti-parasite medication.