An ember in the darkness...
Fighting for basic human needs and human rights for a forgotten and neglected people group.
In 2022, Retired Commander Seabee Joe Charles embarked on a two-year journey to engineer a bridge that would not only connect communities but also save lives. His vision became reality with The Ember Bridge, a project designed to provide critical access to essential resources for remote areas. The bridge, which serves the Ngäbe-Buglé tribe, facilitates healthcare, education, and economic opportunity, ultimately transforming the lives of countless individuals. Joe’s dedication to engineering a solution that would make a lasting impact is a testament to the power of innovation and service to those in need.
Ngabe-Bugle Reservation Comarca, Panama
Currently:
11 deaths in 2023 crossing the river:
-
Impassable 3 months/year due to high flow rate.
-
Unpredictable 8 months/year due to flash floods.
***Another death as we are developing this website on June 12th...too many...let's go!
Seven villages use this trail as only means of:
-
Life Essentials: part of 18-mile hike to closest road.
-
Medicine: No medical assistance in over two years due to how isolated they are.
-
School: Teachers hike in 18-miles from off reservation and children hike across the river to get to the school.
-
Church: Locals are led thru witchcraft, basic necessities listed above are portrayed as evil. Local pastor hikes across this river to minister.
Local teenage girls are trafficked/abused and abandoned pregnant.
-
Access to education, medicine, and ministry are the leading action to reduce human trafficking.
Ngabe-Bugle Reservation Comarca, Panama
Currently:
11 deaths in 2023 crossing the river:
-
Impassable 3 months/year due to high flow rate.
-
Unpredictable 8 months/year due to flash floods.
***Another death as we are developing this website on June 12th...too many...let's go!
Seven villages use this trail as only means of:
-
Life Essentials: part of 18-mile hike to closest road.
-
Medicine: No medical assistance in over two years due to how isolated they are.
-
School: Teachers hike in 18-miles from off reservation and children hike across the river to get to the school.
-
Church: Locals are led thru witchcraft, basic necessities listed above are portrayed as evil. Local pastor hikes across this river to minister.
Local teenage girls are trafficked/abused and abandoned pregnant.
-
Access to education, medicine, and ministry are the leading action to reduce human trafficking.
Ember Bridge will:
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Eliminate deaths and accidents.
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Prevent/reduce human trafficking and sexual abuse.
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Increase continuous access for education, medicine, community.
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Increase life expectancy and quality of life.
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Create a sense of independence and hope for the local community.
Ember Bridge will be a 100 yard Suspended Bridge
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Materials: $210k
-
Tools: $5k
-
Logistics: $45k
-
Total: + contingency = $300k
Construction Schedule
Logistics
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Fly in to David, Panama
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Drive to Santiago, Panama (2.5 hrs)
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All materials and personnel will helicopter in to the closest village (40 min)
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House/office out of local church
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1.5 mile hike to bridge site (1 hr)
Make a donation
Donations made here will be directly allocated for The Ember Bridge Project.
Frequency
One time
Monthly
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