A Life-Changing Encounter
In 2013, while watching an episode of The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman on National Geographic, I was captivated by a story that would eventually lead me to the heart of the Embera Puru community. The episode featured an American woman who, while working on a film project in Chagres National Park, fell in love with the tribe’s chief, married him, and started a tour company offering immersive cultural experiences. Intrigued, I chose the full experience, staying overnight and embracing the Embera way of life. What I discovered was a resilient and warm-hearted community, living in harmony with nature and sharing their culture with visitors.
A Community in Crisis
Nestled in the depths of Panama’s Chagres National Park, the Embera Puru community thrived on tourism. They weren’t seeking wealth but rather a sustainable livelihood. Visitors provided an essential source of income through guided tours and the sale of exquisite handcrafted items. However, when COVID-19 struck, tourism came to a halt, plunging the Embera Puru into extreme poverty, deprivation, and famine. Today, their children are suffering from malnutrition, with many facing severe illness—and even death—unless urgent action is taken.
Recognizing the Severity of the Situation
The Embera people are known for their resilience and self-sufficiency. That’s why I was shocked when Erito, the community’s leader, reached out for help. After three years without a steady income, the situation had become dire. Children were falling ill, and the community had already lost several members. The Embera Puru rarely seek outside assistance, which made it clear: this was a true emergency.
The Reality of the Embera Puru’s Struggles
- The community consists of 43 families, with 88 children in immediate danger.
- There are three other Embera communities in Chagres National Park, while the largest Embera settlements are in the Darien region near the Colombian border.
- Tourism has yet to recover, largely due to the halt of cruise operations caused by Panama Canal issues, though cruises are expected to return in December.
- The Embera Puru have had no reliable income for over three years.
- Malnutrition-related illnesses are escalating, and lives have already been lost.
- This worsening humanitarian crisis has received little international attention—they need our help now.
A Sustainable Solution: Feeding the Embera and Ensuring Long-Term Stability
Our immediate goal is to combat hunger by implementing a food supply chain. After discussions with the community, we’ve developed a plan:
- Poultry Farming: Establishing small poultry farms in each Embera village will provide a sustainable source of food. Initially, the farms will support the community for six to seven months, after which natural reproduction will maintain a steady supply of chickens and fresh eggs.
- Training Program: 10-15 community members per village will receive four weeks of training at an existing poultry farm to learn proper maintenance and hygiene practices.
- Food Distribution: Regular supplies of rice, cooking oil, and powdered milk will supplement their diet, ensuring children receive adequate nutrition.
- Water & Sanitation: Providing access to clean running water and sewage systems will drastically improve sanitation and reduce disease.
- Farming Education: Teaching community members to cultivate corn and vegetables will promote self-sufficiency.
Economic Empowerment: Creating Sustainable Income
Beyond addressing immediate needs, we must ensure the Embera regain financial independence. Possible initiatives include:
- Handicraft Sales Expansion: Establishing souvenir shops at Tocumen International Airport’s duty-free section and an art gallery in Miami will provide a steady market for Embera handicrafts.
- Online Marketplace: Our foundation is developing a website where people can purchase Embera crafts, with all profits directed back to the community.
- Fundraising & Grants: We are actively seeking grant writers, donors, and corporate sponsors. Those interested in supporting our foundation can play a vital role—and even secure a board position with a salary once funds are generated.
- Scholarship Support: Many Embera children aspire to become doctors, engineers, pilots, and more. However, financial barriers prevent them from accessing higher education. Providing scholarships will allow them to reach their full potential.
- Tourism Revitalization: Promoting Embera cultural experiences through airline partnerships, inflight magazines, and marketing campaigns will attract visitors and revive their primary source of income.
How You Can Help
The Embera Puru need urgent assistance to survive this crisis and rebuild their future. Whether through donations, sponsorship, grant writing, or advocacy, your support can make a life-changing impact. If you are interested in joining our efforts, reach out today and become a part of this mission to save the Embera children.
Together, we can ensure that this remarkable community not only survives but thrives for generations to come.
