Past Trips

Assessment Trip I (January 2009)

EWB-AUS first traveled to Sieykin in January, 2009. The principal goal of this assessment trip was to become familiar with the community and to determine if Sieykin’s residents were interested in partnering with EWB-AUS for a community development project. With the help of several community members, the group conducted basic topological surveys, water tests of the sources and household interviews. After consulting with the people of Sieykin, EWB-AUS members decided that water treatment and hygiene education would constitute the first phase of the program in Panama. It was also decided that the pilot system will be implemented in the Centro sector where the school and clinic are located.

Assessment Trip II (August 2009)

In August 2009, another team of seven students and a professional mentor conducted the second assessment of Sieykin. Tasks completed on the trip included water testing, land surveying, a materials availability survey, a community health assessment and an assessment of appropriate technology for a water supply system. In meetings with the newly elected water committee and other community leaders, the group discussed the project plans and established the roles and responsibilities of EWB, the water committee, and other community members. EWB members also launched a health education campaign to explain the process of disease transmission, the connection between the community’s water quality and health problems, and the importance of handwashing. The group also met with a local Rotary Club, other NGOs, and the Panamanian Ministry of Health to discuss future collaboration and partnership.

Implementation Trip-Phase I (July/August 2010)

This trip marked the beginning of the implementation phase of the Panama water project of EWB – Greater Austin. The primary goals of the trip were to install a potable water system, improve the community’s current water system (to serve as a non-potable system), and continue with health and system maintenance education efforts. The dual potable/non-potable water system now serves the central sector of the community, where the school, health post, church, and about 30 households are located.

The trip, 8 weeks in total, was divided into 4 parts: Materials Procurement (1 week; 2 EWB members), Group I and Group II (each 3 weeks; 7-9 EWB members), and a brief interim period between Groups I and II (1 week; 5 EWB members). Three EWB members (including two project leads and a professional) stayed for 7-8 weeks to ensure project continuity.

During the trip, for the potable water system, the EWB group and community constructed a spring box for clean water capture and a 5,000 L potable water storage tank using poured concrete construction. They also laid about 5450 ft of piping from the spring box to the potable tank and from the tank to the community center. For the non-potable system, the EWB group and community installed about 3300 ft of piping from the non-potable water source to the current water tank and from the tank to the community center. The piping was buried or encased in larger PVC pipe to protect it from UV damage. Valve and air release boxes were installed as necessary, as well as small bridges when crossing ravines or particularly uneven terrain.

EWB group members taught health education in the local primary school through role play, activity books, songs, and visual tools (including a microscope). Meetings were held with community members every week to discuss progress, work and food preparation for the upcoming week, and any project concerns. The final meetings focused more on leadership and completion of the project after the EWB group returned home.

The EWB group encountered many obstacles during the trip, including difficult working conditions and inconsistent community participation. However, many of these obstacles were overcome through open, honest communication and learning to draw on the unique strengths of the EWB group and community members.

Assessment Trip III (January 2011)

This purpose of this assessment trip was to monitor and assess the first phase of implementation, to initiate the second phase of implementation for the Greater Austin’s Panama Program, and continue the health education campaign in Sieykin.  EWB-AUS’ travel team spent 10 days in the community.  During this time, the team split into two groups.  Although there was some cross-over, half the team focused primarily on health education and community relations, while the second half focused on the technical aspects of the project.

The health education group conducted household interviews.  The main purpose of these interviews was to assess the community’s satisfaction with the first phase of implementation, assess how the new system was working, and discuss any changes in the health of each household.   They also educate the community about the water system and EWB’s continued presence in the community for the duration of the program. They also met with the water committees to discuss their roles and to guide them into becoming better functioning committees.

With the assistance of community members, the technical group located potential spring sources, tested them for water quality, and surveyed the area to provide elevation and distance information for the water distribution line.  They also inspected the first phase of implementation and worked with the community to troubleshoot some problems they have had with the system.

Implementation Trip-Phase II (July 2011)

EWB – Greater Austin Summer 2011 trip to Siekyin Arriba was the first trip to commence Implementation-Phase II.  Our goals consisted of implementation/monitoring the water system built by EWB during past trips, further assessment of potential water sources for Arriba, determining possible methods for future service of clean water distribution in the area, continuing health outreach programs in the schools, and constructing the bridge pediments.

The main tasks in this trip included procuring materials, delivering materials to the community, collecting 1” to 1-1/2” aggregate from the creek shore, transporting sacks of sand and aggregate to the pediment sites, excavating for bridge pediments, constructing the rebar cages, hand-mixing concrete, and finally assembling final pediment structure. We also reassessed some potential water sources and took additional survey data.

Not only did the project consist of tangible results but also helped build lasting relationships within the community. Community meetings, health education activities, and household surveys helped reinforce our commitment to the community. Overall, throughout our stay we noticed an increase of individual and familial help in some of our main objectives. Additionally, the surveys we conducted revealed a willingness to contribute to and participate in future phases of the project in Sieykin Arriba.