Kendell Josephs
Some pictures of the students in Panama and the journey we endured in order to get to school.
To educate others about poverty in Central America!
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CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING: SOLIDARITY
A theme of Catholic Social Teaching is solidarity. In Psalms 133:1, it says 133 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” This verse emphasizes the importance of being in community with one another in God’s eye. The Bible states that we’re all children of God, no matter what. In the case of Central America, people in rural areas are often left behind: “Seventy-five percent of rural people struggle to meet basic food needs.” However, according to the Bible, in order to “dwell together in unity” no one can be left behind.
My name is Kendell Josephs. I’ve always been curious about why impoverished places continue to struggle, which is why I wanted to take part in this project. In April 2024, I traveled with the Ron Burton Training Village to help build a school in Panama Province through School the World. It was my first time in Central America, a trip I never imagined taking so young. The experience left me with three life lessons: gratitude for what I have, confidence in speaking Spanish, and a deep appreciation for Panamanian culture. Walking miles with kids who crossed rivers to get home made me grateful for basic comforts like sturdy floors and air conditioning. Speaking Spanish daily helped me overcome my insecurities, and immersing myself in village life taught me the hard work and resourcefulness of the people. I had expected to lay bricks—but instead, I gained a new perspective on life. If you're interested in School the World, check out the links below.
The most beautiful memories I have from Panama seem small—blowing bubbles with kids at recess, dancing outside a locked classroom, and being met halfway up the mountain just to have our hands held on the walk to school. But what truly made my time there unforgettable were the kids. Their outlook on life reshaped how I saw people outside the U.S. While many Americans look down on those in other countries, these kids showed me that wealth isn’t just material. They are happy with what they have, unaware of any other life.