Forum Foundation
Sustainable Change
Established in 2006 by John Keffer, we are a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting community development through learning support scholarships and programs in the northern region of Cocle, Republic of Panama.
“Sustainability refers to change, something which has been a constant in the world for millennia. So, is change sustainable? Obviously yes – the world is dynamic and ever changing: one result adds to others.”
– John Keffer, Forum Foundation Founder
SUSTAINABLE CHANGE
Committed to supporting communities as they strive to build a more prosperous future. Our work focuses on increasing access to learning support opportunities for communities located in the mountains of northern Cocle, Panama.
Forum Foundation programs and John Keffer scholarships help students at multiple grade levels, including university, complete their assignments, study for tests, and ultimately reach graduation. Grants and digital resources available through our community center locations, help promote English, mathematics, science, literature, and digital literacy, as key skills for lifelong learning and future success.
We believe in the importance of working together with community leaders, educators, and parents, wherever our programs are offered.
News & EVENTS
FORUM FOUNDATION SPONSORS FIELD TRIPS TO TAKE LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Our longstanding support for student field trips continues. In October, our grants helped several schools visit iconic sites like the Panama Canal and Biomuseo. Beyond the classroom, these grants facilitate a broader understanding of Panama and the world, breaking down barriers, exposing students to new perspectives, and nurturing curiosity.
RUBEN DARIO CARLES STUDENTS REPRESENT COCLE IN NATIONAL CONTEST
A Forum Foundation grant has helped cultivate the arts at the Ruben Dario Carles school since 2014. In September and October of 2023, students who participated in the school’s Integrated Pedagogical Project, facilitated by a monthly grant, traveled to Panama to represent the Province of Cocle. We are immensely proud of this learning community for their achievement!
University Students Take Initiative
Developing and promoting student agency is a top priority! We were thrilled when several university stduents approached us about getting help preparing for their English exams.
Through group activities, quizes, and even an online practice exam, participants were able to reinforce their learning, and confidently face this challenge.
The Value of a Visit
Fundacion Academia Forum’s vital role of visiting parents and students is exemplified by Profesora Elvia Martinez and Sandra Rodriguez’s dedicated journeys through Northern Cocle. These committed women travel near and far to reach beneficiaries’ homes, experiencing firsthand the arduous journeys students endure to attend school. Fostering strong relationships with families, these visits motivate parents to support their children’s education, students take pride in their origins, inspiring them to return and share what they have learned. We remain steadfastly committed to our mission, offering scholarships, resources, and educational support to help students on their path to graduation.
WHAT IS IN A BOOK? JOY, HOPE, AND THE KNOWLEDGE TO BUILD A BETTER TOMORROW
John Y. Keffer and Janet Robinson, Forum Foundation leaders, have a deep love for books and a passion for sharing that love with students in Panama. They organized a life-changing field trip to Panama City for students who had never left their communities before. At the Panama International Book Fair, John generously provided the funds for each student to buy their first book, an experience that brought them immense joy as most had never owned a book before.
This inspirational moment evolved into the John Y. Keffer Library, situated in the auditorium of Jose De Los Reyes Vasquez High School in El Caimito, Cocle. The library has received hundreds of donated books and has also donated books to schools in mountainous regions. It continues to serve as a hub for students and parents seeking resources and adventure.
Community Learning Drives Sustainable Change in Northern Coclé
In 2022, Fundacion Academia Forum partnered with Panama’s National Institute for Professional Training and Human Development (INADEH) to offer free courses to communities in Northern Coclé. Fundacion Academia Forum is proud of the participants’ dedication and is committed to fostering this valuable collaboration with INADEH to continue providing free education, contributing to sustainable community development.”
FORUM ACADEMY ALUMNI CELEBRATE GRADUATION
Perhaps one of the most rewarding experiences in our journey supporting and counseling inspiring students, is watching them graduate. We are thrilled to share and celebrate their success. Their desire to become professionals and build a better future is sustainable change in action. Click the button below to read their stories.
Exploring the Future of Education
In March 2022 school year students in Panama finally returned to in-person learning. This article explores some interesting ideas and questions that can help us contribute to shaping the future of education.
GET TO KNOW OUR COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS
Join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our exceptional community of learners. Discover the wonderful people who help make change sustainable in the mountains of Northern Cocle.
LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST!
Forward with Forum is Forum Foundation’s podcast for lifelong learners. Focused on sharing knowledge, skills, advice, and guidance with the communities we serve. Our podcast is produced in English and Spanish so that our listeners can grow their comprehension through listening. Download our episodes, learn something new. Join our conversation.
ANNUAL REPORTS
Our Annual Reports provide information regarding the impact of our learning support programs during the school year. These publications also help celebrate the accomplishments of the inspiring people who we are able to help through our scholarships and programs.
Download a copy of our digital annual reports.
Follow our official Instagram account @fundacionforum for more news and updates from our Panama Programs.