Imagine the melody of a school day — young learners’ voices rising and falling, a teacher’s instruction, a student’s laughter echoing down a sun-warmed street in Panama. At Academia Jireh, the music of learning nearly faded to silence. Yet, faith is a composer that never gives up on the song.
Adelaida, Director of the school’s primary section, reflects, “In 2020, we had a huge loss of students that affected us financially, and we had to restructure a lot of things at the school.” The challenge was unmistakable — a sudden drop in enrollment, insurmountable tuition defaults, and the echo of empty classroom seats that once overflowed with energy.
A Helping Hand
At this critical moment, Edify’s partnership became the helping hand they needed. It opened the door to a wealth of practical tools and fresh inspiration for the school’s leaders and staff — new harmonies for their ongoing song. The team dove into a range of Edify trainings, from Christ-centered workshops and educational sessions to education technology integration within the school. Each experience brought meaningful growth, equipping the staff with new skills and renewed confidence, helping them move forward with clarity and hope.
Strong administrative management, coupled with Edify’s partnership, became the steady rhythm that helped the school overcome the challenge of tuition defaults. The team became more effective at engaging families, managing resources, and creating a vibrant environment where students could thrive. The music returned: first in small bursts, then in a full, joyful chorus.
The Sounds of Learning
Today, the air at Academia Jireh is alive with the sound of students learning, teachers guiding with purpose, and families celebrating each new achievement. Classrooms are bright with color and possibility, and the schoolyard is once again a stage for laughter, learning, and hope.
“We work hard on our Christ-like values,” Adelaida shares. “We want to offer our community something different, not only academics, but Christ-centered principles and values.” The school’s vision became a chorus, inviting families back with the promise of learning that transforms not just minds, but hearts and spirits. Paola Clement, Christ-Centered Education Officer in Panama, shares, “Despite any challenge they faced, all the teachers remained committed and continued working… this required boldness and unwavering faith. The staff and leadership chose not to give up, and instead pressed on, fully trusting in God.” They reimagined their classrooms, added new activities that inspired teamwork and creativity, and doubled down on what made them unique: a Christ-centered school that offered more than just academics.
God’s Provision
Now, the impact rings throughout every corner of Academia Jireh. Paola concludes, “I have witnessed God’s provision and how He has answered every prayer. The team and the parents have maintained a strong sense of unity. Looking ahead, they … aspire to be a model school for others, continuing to share the love of Christ through education.”
This is the story of the song of learning that refused to stop: the story of a school where faith sets the tempo, hope fills every note, and the music of learning plays on. With each new day, students, teachers, and families step forward: united, resilient, and ready to compose the next verse in their journey of transformation.
