Human capital investment needed with Panama public education one of worlds worst

With the country’s public education system ranked as “one of the worst in the world” government leaders at an economic forum in Panama, hastened to say they were working on the problem.

Speakers at the opening of the conference "Panama: Where the World Meets," on Thursday, February 24 said the country needs to investment in "human capital" as well as its physical infrastructure.

The forum discussed development issues facing the country. It was revealed that Panama’s education system, was recently ranked as one of the worst in the world. In reading and science, Panama was ranked the fourth-worst in the world, ahead of only Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan and Peru. It came second-to-last in mathematics out of 65 countries included in the study.

The numbers show that Panama and Latin America are not doing things well," said conference attendee Sergio Luna.  {jathumbnail off}
Minister of Economy and Finance Alberto Vallarino said: "We recognize that it is achallenge and we are working on it," he said. Improving education was not a task solved in the short term … it will take a generation to see the results.
The conference came at a time when the government announced a 12.7 percent increase in revenues for January, up $37,6 million to $332.8 million compared to January 2010.
The increase is due to Panama's continued economic growth, which is expected to be approach double digits this year.
President Ricardo Martinelli, who closed the forum, said he has started programs such as universal scholarships, the delivery of school supplies and increased Internet access