About this role
Youth Leadership Development Teacher
Project Description: Are you passionate about helping young people unlock their potential? Support Panamanian youth as they develop the skills and confidence to succeed academically, professionally, and personally.
Many young people in Panama are navigating socio-economic instability, limited access to structured growth opportunities, and low engagement in school and civic life. These challenges can make it difficult for the youth to imagine and pursue rewarding futures. While the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social Development have introduced several initiatives to increase youth leadership, employability, and civic participation, schools and communities need extra support to strengthen the country’s long-term investment in its young people.
As a Youth Leadership Development Teacher, you will collaborate with teachers and youth service providers to support the youth to develop leadership and communication skills as well as explore pathways to future employment and civic engagement. Your impact will go beyond the individual youth you will work with; communities will benefit from engaged, motivated young leaders who are positioned to contribute to local initiatives and build a more resilient future for Panama.
Required Skills: Associate degree in any field and at least two years of full-time, post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles). OR Bachelor's degree in any field. OR High school diploma or GED and four years of full-time, post-high school work (from any combination of roles).
Living Conditions: Volunteers live in rural and semi-urban areas, ranging from 150 to 5,000 community members. For the first 3–4 months, Volunteers live with a host family—often a large multigenerational household—and may elect to later move to independent housing. Most homes are constructed from concrete blocks with tiled floors and corrugated tin roofs. Communities generally have basic utilities with varying reliability, including cell signal, treatable water.
Activities: Plan and facilitate youth clubs, camps, and group activities that integrate life skills and leadership development. Facilitate extracurricular activities that promote positive youth development, such as sports, and the performing arts. Teach life skills and employability curricula alongside school counselors, psychologists, and teachers. Plan and facilitate youth participation in awareness day activities (e.g., World AIDS Day, International Youth Day). Plan and facilitate youth service-learning projects through schools, clubs, or community programs. Design and implement digital literacy workshops for youth. Mentor youth to develop life skills, leadership capacity, and employability skills.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as English conversation clubs and after-school sports.
Training: As a Youth Leadership Development Teacher, you will be trained in participatory community analysis, intercultural engagement, and positive youth development. Peace Corps/Panama will teach you Spanish to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community.
After 10 weeks of training, you will move to a rural or semi-urban community where you will collaborate with schools, local internet centers, and other community groups. You will work with the community to assess the local needs and develop solutions based on youth priorities and shared goals.
Job Highlights: Gain hands-on experience with youth development, facilitation, and curriculum design. Build Spanish language, project management, and intercultural communication skills by collaborating with schools and other local organizations. Form lasting connections while immersing yourself in Panama’s vibrant culture.