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Ember Bridge

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in partnership with

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

-2 Timothy 1:6-7

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.

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Ember Bridge will:​

  • Eliminate deaths and accidents.

  • Prevent/reduce human trafficking and sexual abuse.

  • Increase continuous access for education,  medicine, community. 

  • Increase life expectancy and quality of life.

  • Create a sense of independence and hope for the local community.

An 82 yard Suspended Bridge Costs:

(projected)
 

  • Materials:    $210k

  • Tools:             $5k

  • Logistics:     $45k

  • Total:             + contingency = $300k

(actual)

  • Materials:    $40k  spent; $42k remaining (helicopter)

  • Tools:             $16k spent; $1k remaining (boots and gloves)

  • Logistics:     $48k spent; $12k remaining (one more trip)

  • Local Pay:   $15k spent; $20k remaining 

  • Total:              $120k spent; $75k remaining 

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Total Raised: $135k!!!
  Thank you!!!

Remaining Need: $60k

The Design

We conducted the site visit and investigation, taking all measurements necessary; then utilized the help/advice from Engineers In Action and their bridge design manual, finalized the design, prepared a tool and material list, prepared the cost estimate, and got to work!  Special thanks to Engineers in Action,  Legacy for printing the plans, and our friend Kaela for laminating them! 
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Projected Construction Schedule
(with projected costs)

Actual Construction Schedule
(live updates to reflect ongoing progress) 

Actual Logistics

  • Drive to Orlando, FL (3 hrs)

  • Fly in to Panama City, Panama (3.5 hrs)

  • Drive to Santiago, Panama (4 hrs)

  • Heli to village, weather permitting (1 hr)

  • House/office tent out of local church

  • 1.5 mile hike to bridge site (1 hr)

Anticipated Logistics

  • Fly in to David, Panama

  • Drive to Santiago, Panama (2.5 hrs)

  • All materials and personnel will helicopter in to the closest village (40 min)

  • House/office out of local church

  • 1.5 mile hike to bridge site (1 hr)

Make a donation

Donations made here will be directly allocated for The Ember Bridge Project.

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© 2020 The Human Collective Foundation

nonprofit foundation EIN 85- 3442018

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