Where We Work / Panama / Communities / Torti Abajo «

Torti Abajo’s educational system includes Kinder and Primary schools (until 6th grade). There are about 40 students and Miroslava G. De Mendoza is the school director. Approximately, 90% of the community knows how to read and write. For further education, the students are able to walk to the town of Torti’s middle school, which is about 30-45 minutes away by foot.

Torti Abajo has a water system, which is a gravity-based aqueduct and was constructed by Father Wally “Padre Pablo” Kasuboski in 1995. Water arrives on average 5 days per week and it is being regularly chlorinated three times a week. A water committee does not exist, because Padre Pablo manages the water system. He also installed meters so that each home pays for the measured amount used. Almost 100% of homes in the community are connected to the system.

Torti Abajo does not have any type of health center; however, the nearby town of Torti has a Centro de Salud that is staffed by two doctors, three nurses and two dentists. The main doctor at the center is Dr. Ana Botello. There is no basic sanitation committee in the community.

The most common illnesses seen by community members are intestinal parasites, diarrhea, high blood pressure and common cold. Approximately 90% of the community is estimated to have latrines that currently function. 0-10% has eco-stoves (estufas justas). About 30% is estimated to have cement floors.

The average family income per month is estimated to be $100-200 a month. The majority of homes are made of block and wood. The main form of employment is agriculture on owned land, and the main products that are cultivated in the community are corn, rice, yam, yucca and plantains. Members of Torti Abajo who own land and seek agricultural loans have access to credit through the Savings and Loan Cooperative in Torti. Approximately 5% actually have taken out loans through the cooperative. Global Brigades is currently working with the Torti Cooperative and IPACOOP to set up a community bank so that community member who do not have land titles and are looking for smaller loans have access to microfinance. Currently, Torti Abajo has 4 kiosks which sell dry goods.

In Torti Abajo, the central method of waste management is burning trash. A truck drives throughout the community about once amonth to collect recycled goods; however, approximately 5% of the community actually recycles their goods. The community has an estimated 5-10% of forest coverage and the main causes of deforestation are cattle ranching and farming. It has been noted that the community has very little to no general knowledge related to environmental awareness and how it affects their crops, soil and water.

Most community members in Torti Abajo do not seek out legal support as lawyers are too expensive to afford. There is a limited amount of knowledge regarding the need for lawyers and their legal rights. Approximately 50% of the community has land titles and 50% has property rights. The Committee of Agricultural Workers is looking to receive “personería jurídica” status.

Torti Abajo has not received a regular “brigade” from MINSA (Ministry of Health) for approximately one to two years. MINSA does come with a special program that provides dental care to the children in 1st, 2nd and 6th grade. Torti Abajo received electricity two years ago, which provides powers to only certain areas in the community. The Peace Corps worked in this community in the past; however, the scope of the project is unknown.

Global Brigades met with community leaders and interested members in March 2011 and is planning to start brigades in May 2011 with the Medical and Business brigade programs. The central community leader is Alquimedes Mendoza and he has shown dedication to helping his community move forward. The community members use the school for meetings and reunions as they do not have another location for community related events.

Torti Abajo has been selected as a priority community by Global Brigades for future implementation of holistic programming.