Changing Thousands of Lives in Rural Panama

Imagine being cut off from the world, reliant on boat rides and fair weather to reach civilization. Over 10,000 people in the Costa Abajo area of the Colón province on Panama's Caribbean coast, including children and the elderly, have been living this harsh reality. NO road, no electricity, or clean water or cell service or access to health care. Until now.

In 2021, we cut the first path of a 30-km dirt road ourselves, stretching from Miguel De La Borda to Coclé Del Norte (see the map). This mammoth project, fueled entirely by the sheer will and grit of the local residents, aims to end years of neglect by our nation's authorities. In 2022 we made a second, wider cut to the road and added culverts and water diversion where needed.

ALL of this work totalled more than $40,000 in equipment rental, fuel, and food for the thousands of hours of donated labor. We the community members of Costa Abajo financed it all ourselves, even though the average daily income here is under $10 per day. Yes, you read that right. The average resident of this area earns under $3,700 per year, about 1/5 the average in the rest of the country.

We have made remarkable progress, and the rough dirt road provides far safer and more efficient foot traffic for people, horses and livestock. But in order to support 4x4 vehicles, gravel needs to laid and bridges need to be built. Despite the challenges, a flicker of hope glows in the heart of this country's forgotten region.

Ernesto and Sarah, who are the owners of a small tourism business called Camaroncito EcoResort & Beach, which is the ONLY employer in the area, have taken on this cause, determined to change the life canvas of these individuals.

This is a call to anyone who can support us in this mission. Your assistance can drive the remaining miles, can light the torch of civilization for so many, and more importantly, can weave a safety net for these stranded lives.

Your contribution is not just appreciated, it changes lives.