Showcase

The storyteller’s story

School makes difference, feeding children's bodies and minds

By Dave Curry
Kiwanis International President

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Las Perlas, Panamá City, Panama, shared their story of service while taking my wife, Eva, and me through the Center of Development in Curundu, Panama. This school, funded by the Las Perlas club, feeds and educates preschool children in a poor and dangerous section of Panamá City. Every day, this school is attended by children in the area, who get a respite from some truly destitute conditions.

A child’s only meal for the day comes from Panama Kiwanians.

One girl arrived at the center severely malnourished two months prior to our visit. By the time we met her, she was healthy and very active. For some of the children, their only meal each day is because of Kiwanis.

While there, I met one of the teachers who indicated she recently was offered a teaching position at a school near where she lived. This school was in a much safer part of town, and the salary increase would have been significant for her. She declined the offer because she “felt like she was making a difference at the Kiwanis school.”

Kiwanians around the globe, like the members of the Las Perlas club, are meeting the special needs of their community. In many countries, children are being fed because of Kiwanis. In others, our Service Leadership Programs are creating future leaders who are sensitive to the needs of others. Whether we impact others through hands-on service, fundraising, leadership development, or sponsoring new Kiwanians so their lives can be more meaningful through service, we should be proud of what we do.

I have not yet met a Kiwanian who was disappointed in the sacrifice they made to do something significant within their community. It is our legacy as individuals and Kiwanians. Please take time to share our story of service with others.