Ayuda International · Ayuda International Projects
Born in the pandemic, driven by Rotarians. What began when Steve Bender was stranded in Bocas del Toro in 2020 is now a family of programs under Ayuda International: dental clinics, Rotary Reefs, forests, The Macaw Project and volunteer tourism for Rotarians from around the world.
Ayuda International Projects
When COVID closed the borders in 2020, Steve ran supply boats to the outer islands of Bocas del Toro and carried almendro saplings home on the return trips. From that start grew The Panama Project, which touches all seven of Rotary’s areas of focus: oral health clinics and the Oral Hygiene Initiative in island schools, Rotary Reefs to rescue the coral, forests and almendros for the Great Green Macaw, clean water, education and a Volunteer Tourism program that brings Rotarians to serve side by side with the community. All of these programs now fall under Ayuda International Projects.
Club Rotario de Bocas del Toro
The Rotary Club of Bocas del Toro held its first meeting in February 2019 and was chartered in May 2019. Its founders were Emily Talentino, the club’s founding president and the founder of Give and Surf, and Kurt Betzel.
On Wednesday, May 22, 2019, just two weeks after the charter, Steve Bender was the Rotarian keynote speaker at the club’s first regular meeting, at Brother’s Bocas Brewery. He introduced the new members to the Four-Way Test and Rotary’s areas of focus, shared the power of Rotary through past projects, and helped recruit local leaders and health professionals. The poster for that day was designed by Lara Phillips.
Emily Talentino and Give and SurfRotary.org: the founders of the Bocas clubThe Bocas Breeze: El Club Rotario
Coming next
Kurt Betzel and Steve Bender are designing a permanent facility on Isla Popa with two permanent dental chairs and equipment. It will serve the Ngäbe communities of Popa I and Popa II, where Ayuda volunteers and visiting Rotarians have given fluoride treatments to more than one hundred children at the island school. For the first time, care will not have to wait for the next boat.
August 2026 mission
On August 6, 2026, Rotarians from six countries planted the Trammell S. Crow Rare Tree Forest at Dolphin Bay, while Ayuda volunteers brought fluoride, toothbrushes and the sugar lesson to the Bocatorito school next door.
Testimonials
“Traveling as a volunteer is very different from being a tourist. You don’t just visit a place, you become part of something bigger.” “One of our favorite reminders is that Rotary is family, no matter where in the world you are. We arrived as travelers and left as family.”
Alisa Morrison, Co-President 2025 to 2027, Solana Beach Eco-Rotary. Her club joined the Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe and Escondido Rotary clubs to sponsor a Rotary Reef.
“Seeing these thriving coral colonies firsthand made it clear that coral restoration is not only possible, it’s urgently needed.” “Our trip to Bocas del Toro was filled with meaningful work, plenty of fun, great food, and the chance to meet fellow Rotarians from both California and the local Bocas del Toro club.”
Donna Jones, President, Rotary Club of Ojai West
“There are many lasting images from our ten days in Bocas del Toro, working alongside dedicated Rotarians and other service organizations.” “We left inspired by the resilience of the people, energized by the work, and deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of something so meaningful.”
Beverly Schuberth, Rotary Club of Ojai West
“Diving the coral reef that my club, San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, contributed to for the Coral Reef Restoration Project clearly showed what we can achieve when we work together.” “We also planted 550 Almendra trees to help attract macaws and support their thriving in this island community.”
Debra Trout, Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
“As a proud Rotarian and owner at Tropical Arts, I’ve had the pleasure to witness firsthand the transformative impact of The Panama Project in Bocas del Toro.” “Come join us. Make an impact. Share your Rotary spirit.”
Eric Veenstra, Tropical Arts, Bocas del Toro
Dentists, hygienists, dental students and helpers of every kind are welcome. Tell us where you would like to serve and we will send you the clinic calendar.