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:
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Impassable 3 months/year due to high flow rate.
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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:
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Life Essentials: part of 18-mile hike to closest road.
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Medicine: No medical assistance in over two years due to how isolated they are.
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School: Teachers hike in 18-miles from off reservation and children hike across the river to get to the school.
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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.
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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.
An 82 yard Suspended Bridge Costs:
(projected)
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Materials: $210k
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Tools: $5k
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Logistics: $45k
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Total: + contingency = $300k
(actual)
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Materials: $40k spent; $42k remaining (helicopter)
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Tools: $16k spent; $1k remaining (boots and gloves)
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Logistics: $48k spent; $12k remaining (one more trip)
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Local Pay: $15k spent; $20k remaining
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Total: $120k spent; $75k remaining
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!
Projected Construction Schedule
(with projected costs)
Actual Construction Schedule
(live updates to reflect ongoing progress)
Actual Logistics
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Drive to Orlando, FL (3 hrs)
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Fly in to Panama City, Panama (3.5 hrs)
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Drive to Santiago, Panama (4 hrs)
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Heli to village, weather permitting (1 hr)
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House/office tent out of local church
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1.5 mile hike to bridge site (1 hr)
Anticipated 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.
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