Where We Work / Panama / Communities / Platanilla «

Platanilla’s educational system includes kinder and primary schools (up to 9th grade). There are 8 teachers. Approximately 87% of the community can read and write. Community members have to travel 45 minutes (by car) to the nearest high school in Tortí.

Platanilla has a centro de salud (health center) There is a full time doctor at the health center and sometimes a nurse. There is a health committee in the community. The most common illnesses amongst community members are intestinal parasites, diarrhea, high blood pressure, the common cold, and pelvic infections (in women). Approximately 10% of homes have flush toilets, 40% have pit latrines, 40% have composting latrines, and the remaining 10% lack bathroom facilities. Approximately 95% of households have gas stoves. About 50% have cement floors. Only 2% of families have water filters in their home.

The majority of homes are made of block and wood. The main forms of employment are agriculture on privately owned land and raising livestock. The main agricultural products cultivated in the community are corn, rice, yam, yucca, beans, and plantains. Cattle, pigs, and chickens are raised for personal consumption. Community members who own land and seek agricultural loans have access to credit through the Savings and Loan Cooperative in Tortí. Certain community members also have access to service at the Banco Nacional. Approximately 50% of the community has access to credit and savings accounts (through Tortí and the Banco Nacional). Global Brigades is currently with Platanilla and IPACOOP to set up a community bank so that community members who do not have land titles can take out small loans. The community bank is called “Raíces de mi Tierra” and has legal status (personería juridica). Businesses in the area consist in small family businesses (two to five people), such as mini-supermarkets, fondas, and local bars.