Community Network for the Promotion and Preservation of the Emberá Culture of Tusipono

OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT 

The Emberá Indigenous Community of Tusipono is located on the shores of Lake Alajuela in Panama and consists of 28 families who have expressed their need and aspiration for Internet connectivity.  

The project’s main objective is to improve the economic sustainability of the community through the promotion of ethno-tourism and handicraft sales via e-commerce, as these activities constitute the community’s primary sources of income. This requires Internet connectivity, training, and support for the community. Achieving this goal requires internal organization among the community’s men and women, along with support from the Community Networks Committee of ISOC Panama Chapter, to provide them with training and workshops on Internet network design, installation, operation, administration, maintenance, and sustainability.  

WHY IS THIS PROJECT IMPORTANT? 

The project allows the promotion of the Emberá Indigenous Community of Tusipono’s artisanal activities, products, and cultural services in both national and international markets. Establishing a self-managed wireless Internet network and providing them with the necessary digital resources also enables communication with the external world and access to community-relevant information and services, with a particular emphasis on gender equality. 

*The photograph is purely illustrative. Panama – 2022: Embera Village Puru
Credits: Shutterstock/EWY Media