Fast Facts
| Population* | 187 |
| Number of Homes | 48 |
| Primary Occupation |
Agriculture: Beans, Corn, Tomatoes, Peppers |
| Electricity | Yes |
| Nearest Health Center | 2 kms |
| Community Health Workers | None |
| Water System | None |
| Community Bank | None |
| Homes with Latrines | 31% |
| Distance from Compounds | 1 hour and 30 min |
* Population does not reflect how many patients will be seen on medical
brigades as many people from surrounding communities come seeking
medical attention during brigades.
Top Three Needs Expressed: Water Project, Attendance of Medical Brigades, and Public Health Infrastructure.
*Note: Cuscateca community members participated in their first medical brigades in April of 2016 in the community of El Chaguite.
Geography
Municipality: Danlí
Department: El Paraíso
GPS Coordinates: N 13° 57.605' W 086° 32.183'
Education
The community does not have their own school, but the children are quite dedicated in their schooling. Many of them travel by bus to local primary schools, and even the older children travel to the nearest municipality to continue their education in high school.
Health Care Access in Cuscateca
Cuscateca has no health professionals or health center within the community. There is a health center in Linaca, about 2 km away. Cuscateca community members are invited to medical brigades in Chaguite. Below is some information about Chaguite's medical brigades.
| Average Number of Patients | 977 |
| Surrounding Communities |
Danlí, Linaca, Cuscateca, Calpules, Chaguite, El Bijao |
| Common Illnesses |
Cardiovascular Diseases, Common Cold, Hypertension, Gastrointestinal |
| Nearest Health Center | 2 kilometers |
| Community Health Workers | N/A |
To understand more about how Global Brigades can partner with this community to make an impact, read about what it's like to experience a Medical Brigade.
Dental Program in Cuscateca
In working closely with the medical program, the dental program provides fillings, extractions, and fluoride treatments as a standard part of medical brigades. Most community members do not have regular access to dental care due to the lack of dentist within a reasonable distance. Cuscateca members attend medical and dental brigades in a nearbye community, El Chaguite. Below is information regarding El Chaguite's Dental Brigades.
Fast Facts
| Average Number of Dental Patients | 77 |
| Average Number of Extractions | 79 |
| Average Number of Fillings | 45 |
| Average Number of Sealants | NA |
| Average Number of Child Flouride Treatments | 168 |
To understand more about how Global Brigades can partner with this community to make an impact, read about what it's like to experience a Dental Brigade.
Engineering Program in Cuscateca
The Engineering Program works in conjunction with the Water Program to ensure water projects are designed, maintained, and economically sustainable. Cuscateca is in need of a new water project. Below is the overview for the water system designed by the Global Brigades Engineering Team and students from University of Calgary and University of Toronto on an Engineering Brigade in May of 2016.
Water Project Overview
| Number of Beneficiaries | 187 |
| Water System Type | Pump |
|
Projected Project Cost |
$58,000 |
| Meters of Pipes Needed | 1,500 |
| Storage Tank Volume | 10,000 Gallons |
Current Status
Cuscateca hopes to start implementing their water project by the end of 2016. Community members are fundraising so that they can partner with both World Vision and Global Brigades to pay for the project.
To understand more about how Global Brigades can partner with this community to make an impact, read about what it's like to experience an Engineering Brigade.
Cuscateca's Water Challenge
A small portion of the homes in Cuscateca were part of a neighboring community’s water system. However, even these homes only get water every 12 to 15 days. The rest of the community has relied on water from a creek that runs through the river. The women wash clothes in the river and carry water to and from the creek on a daily basis for cooking, cleaning, and drinking in the house. However, because it is untreated it increases the risk of gastrointestinal infections, diarrhea, and parasites. There are also many other poor hygienic and sanitary conditions in Cuscateca such as a lack of latrines, water storage units, and showers.
Water Project Overview
| Number of Beneficiaries | 187 |
| System Type | Pump |
|
Projected Project Cost |
$58,000 |
| Meters of Piping Needed | 1,500 |
| Storage Tank Volume | 10,000 Gallons |
Water Solution in Cuscateca
Global Brigades has partnered with the Water Council of Cuscateca and World Vision to complete a water project for the 180 residents of Cuscateca. Currently, World Vision has installed a well with access to a consistent source of water, they will soon install an electric pump to be able to pump enough water for the entire community. Global Brigades with the help of the entire community is constructing the water storage tank, pumping line, and distribution network to bring a consistent water supply to all 48 homes and the local church.
To understand more about the importance of a functioning water system and how Global Brigades can help, read about what it's like to experience a Water Brigade.
Public Health Program in Cuscateca
The homes in Cuscateca are in great need of improved public health infrastructure. Only 31% of the homes have a latrine, which means the majority of the population does not have a sanitary place to use the restroom. Even fewer homes have a place to shower or pilas (water storage units). Only 4 homes have an eco-stove, while 44 homes still use a traditional stove.
To understand more about the importance of these public health projects and how Global Brigades can help, read about what it's like to experience a Public Health Brigade.
Community Health Workers
Cuscateca does not yet have the support of the Community Health Worker Program.
Business Program in Cuscateca
Cuscateca does not have an established caja rural (a community bank run by residents). If Cuscateca continues with the holistic model, they will be able to establish a caja rural to encourage savings, loans, and financial stability in the community. The Business Team will also be able to build upon the caja to establish one or more local businesses in the community to increase leadership, independence, and overall economic well being.
To understand more about the how Global Brigades supports the growth of economic capacity of community members, read about what it's like to experience a Business Brigade.