Cathy Lengyel
Coquito left for Spain nearly two years ago when he was adopted by a Spanish family. He was four years old and had been in the Red Cross for three years. Since then, his brothers and sisters shout ‘bye, bye Coquito’ and wave enthusiastically whenever a plane passes overhead.
The Panamanian Red Cross has been managing this home for abandoned or under protection children aged up to four years since 1964. It was given the premises by the government, although the programme itself started nearly 80 years ago.
“In the 1930s and early 1940s, there weren’t any homes for abandoned and malnourished children in Panama,” explains Irene Barria. “That’s why the Panamanian Red Cross started taking care of them. As word spread, the number of children in need grew to such an extent that the government ended up giving us a space for them.”
Twenty children currently live in the home. Here, they get food, clothes, health care and education. Most important of all, they get affection. Twenty-three staff, including nurses, teachers and cooks, work with the children.
Some of the children arrive with nutritional problems and respiratory illnesses; most are longing for affection. “Some of them take time to let you get closer,” says Rosemarie Villareal, one of the daytime nurses. “Yet they are all craving affection and a sense of belonging.”
Each child is different. Their character and needs are different and each of them comes with a past, despite their young years. All have a thorough medical check up when they arrive and are reviewed regularly. Every new-comer changes the dynamic of the group so there is continuous readjustment.
The best outcome for these children is to be adopted and the Panamanian Red Cross works hard to find them a family.
“Sometimes we succeed but not as often as we would like,” explains Irene Barria, manager of the home. “Some of the children have a disability, which makes it more difficult. Sometimes it’s the sheer level of paperwork involved that gets in the way. Many couples would like to adopt and some manage it but others are drowned by the bureaucracy.”
Older children who have not been found a home move on to another home run by organisations such as Hogar Malambo and Aldeas SOS.
“Any home we find has to be very special because these children are very special,” says Rosemarie. “We have seen them take their first steps, say their first words and sometimes give or even receive their first hug. It is difficult to let them go but we know they’ll be better off with new parents.”
“We have just received news and photos from Coquito,” continues Rosemarie, smiling. “He’s doing well with his new family and they will come to visit soon.”
Throughout the years, the Panamanian Red Cross has received funds and donations from the International Federation, the Spanish Red Cross and many private parties. It is now looking for a new place with a garden where the children can be closer to nature and have a bit more space.