EachOne TeachOne, Inc. inspires, educates, and supports rural Panamanian children to become community leaders.

The EachOne TeachOne Story

As a United States Peace Corps volunteer in Panama from 1999 - 2002 Rachel Chertok focused on literacy and environmental education. After completing her Peace Corps service, she felt that she received more than she provided and decided that the Peace Corps “readjustment allowance” granted her was only partially hers. (To assist with the transition back home, the United States Peace Corps gives all returning volunteers a readjustment allowance of two hundred dollars for each month they serve abroad). Rachel knows that she would not have remained two years without the care of her community and therefore she felt the community deserved part of the funds.

For Rachel, supporting the educational advancement of the community members is the most sustainable way to create social change amid such need. What had begun as a scholarship for two girls led to the founding of EachOne TeachOne. From the inception of her work in Panama, Edgardo Alvarado, the Panama Site Director, provided educational and technical support. The success of the scholarship teams is in large part due to Edgardo’s creativity, oversight and attention.

EachOne TeachOne accomplished the following:

• In 2009, thirty-two scholarships were offered to middle and high school students.
• In 2008, fourteen middle and high school scholarships were offered. One college scholarship was granted enabling Marinel Rios to graduate from college. Thirty-eight students attended summer preparation.
• In 2007, thirteen middle school scholarships and one college scholarship were granted. Thirty students attended summer preparation.
• In 2006, thirteen middle school scholarships and one college scholarship were granted. Twenty-six students attended summer preparation.
• In 2005, nine middle school scholarships and one college scholarship were granted. Thirteen students attended summer preparation.
• In 2004, six middle school scholarships and one college scholarship were granted.
• In 2003, three middle school scholarships were granted.
• In 2002, one high school / night school scholarship was granted.

Rachel Chertok, Founder