Panamanian and migrant children living in the community of Herrera, district of La Chorrera, presented on February 2 their creations at the “My Multicultural Community” drawing contest. The 50 participants, between the ages of 6 and 10, received a painting kit consisting of colored pencils and a drawing pad upon registering at the local community board on January 26.

The activity was arranged by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Panama with the support of María Deisy Díaz, the community representative, and other local authorities. The contest’s objective was to promote the integration and participation of the migrant population into the host community, and 3 local artists gave their input during the selection of the winners.

Albis Thorp, Technical Assistant for projects at IOM in Panama, explained that “integration is one of the key elements of migration management. It is related to other fundamental policy issues like the protection of human rights, no discrimination, employment, public security, social stability, public health, education, foreign affairs, and development.”

Approximately 99 migrant families live in the community, most of them of Colombian, Venezuelan, and Nicaraguan nationality.

“Motivating amongst the residents of the host communities a dialogue on the contributions of the incomers is paramount to achieve reciprocity that acknowledges cultural diversity. The positive effects of migration can be strengthened with strategic policies that support the social, economic, and cultural inclusion of migrants into the host communities”, according to Thorp.

For further information, contact Mayteé Zachrisson, Communications and Media Assistant at IOM in Panama, via mzachrisson@iom.int.