International Charity Implementation: Caritas of Panama

Abstract

Panama offers a case study of the ramifications of neocolonialism. Panama, a nation whose ideal geographic location has continually seduced and drawn the attention of those seeking to exploit her wealth, has never, not even during its process of entry into the global community, fully had the ability to pursue a policy of self-determination. This historical process of subjugation to the will of others has developed a debilitating psychology among the Panamanian people, who, nonetheless, still seek self definition. The nature of my project is to see how the Catholic Church, the predominate church throughout all of Central and South America, attempts or fails to attempt the liberation of the people of Panama through the process of charity. In addition, this investigation intends to give its reader a better grasp of how members of the various strata of Panamanian life perceive charity and their level of responsibility in combating the symptoms of marginalization.