This document summarizes a service trip by 29 University of Washington students to Granja Apros farm in Machuca Village, Panama from March 20-27, 2010. The students worked with 7 local farming families to assess projects and provide resources to help create sustainable businesses. They analyzed expanding the chicken, goat, and kitchen projects. The students also provided workshops on accounting, marketing, English, and applied their classroom knowledge. Both the students and farmers found the experience impactful and the students would highly recommend participating in similar global service trips.

1. 29 UW studentsUniversity of Washington Machuca Village, Coclé Province, Panama March 20-27 20107 Panamanian families 1 remarkable experiencePresentation made by: Karthika Appiah

2. IntroductionGRANJA APROSGranja AprosSell to communityFor personal consumption Chicken GoatsFarming – yucca, ….Tilapia 7 familiesLive in community (Machuca) Work on the farm (Apros)Maintain additional jobs

3. Granja AprosSUBSITENCE VS. INCOMEFarm began as source of subsistence Cheaper to farm on vegetables, process own chicken, etc. A communal effort from families of village Each family contributes work Expansion of the chicken business Currently, most of the farm’s businesses are for subsistence In the future, they hope to expand the farm as a source of steady income

4. PanamaPanama City, Panama ProvinceSource of revenue: Panama Canal Minimum wage: $285/month, $1.78/hr Casco ViejoPenonomé, Coclé Province City closest to Machuca Village Machuca Village Low standard of living

5. Poor family planning Machuca and UW REASON FOR VISITGoal:- Provide the villagers with a tools, resources and knowledge to create a sustainable business.

6. Potential Projects

7. ChickensSWOT ANALYSIS

8. ChickensSOLUTIONSBuying 150 chickensExpanding the coop and making it weather-proofBuying a freezer

9. Creating a two week processing cycleChickensCOST INFORMATION$1900 out of the $2900 Community Investment Fund was used to expand the chicken projectGoatsCURRENT SITUATIONFarm has 1 male goat, 2 females, and two offspringExpansion limited by need to prevent inbreedingGoat milk primarily used for children’s’ consumption and occasional saleFarmers have training to make both cheese and yogurt

10. GoatsSWOT ANALYSIS

11. GoatsCONSIDERATIONSOptimal number & gender of additional goats for expansionForecasted financial projections from expansion of goats over the next 3 yearsFinancial gains from expansion of goats versus chickensFinancial gains from expansion of goats versus kitchen remodel

12. GoatsCOST INFORMATION$400 out of $2900 Community Investment Fund was used to expand goat project

13. Kitchen CURRENT SITUATIONOnly small area for cooking

14. A roof that needs replacement

15. A cleaner, proper area for processing the chickens

16. Expansion in chicken business requires a better kitchenKitchen SOLUTION/COSTRenovate and expand the kitchenTotal estimated cost for total renovation = $1500We gave $500A cement expansion to the kitchen with a zinc roof

17. Steel tables for preparing chickens to sell and food to eatThis extra space provides:Comfort

18. Increased capacity

19. Increased labor efficiencyFuture Projects

20. Future ProjectsTRANSPORTATION 2-mile trail to the farm30-minute up-hill hike to communityFarmers carry bags full of goods over their back20 ft. river crossing at the end

21. Future ProjectsTRANSPORTATIONPROBLEMSRainy Season

22. Trail especially dangerous

23. Less trips to the community

24. More time, energy, and risk

25. Low Capacity

26. 5 lb. Carrying bags

27. 2 horses used for most transportation

28. Labor

29. 2-mile transport of goods uphill

30. 30 minutes by foot Future ProjectsTRANSPORTATIONSOLUTIONS

31. Future ProjectsBAKERYPROSCONSWomen are formally trained bakersDemand in community No competition Need an infrastructure that would meet food safety requirementsCostlyBreak-even point could occur very long down the roadUnstable marketAdding the bakery could provide too much work for the farmers and therefore not be a sustainable operation Would be an ideal business 5-10 years down the road

32. Dual benefit for Machucha Farm and CommunityFuture ProjectsGOATSEXPANSIONIncreased infrastructure from more capacityBuying another male and female Research and develop milk process

33. Accounting WorkshopACCOUNTING ANALYSISGoal:- Provide farmers with the knowledge and skills for efficient accounting Looked through notebooksColumns with amountsEach commissioner had a different notebookAsked questions of treasurer, Graciela

34. Understanding of her expectations

35. Her current frustrations

36. Communication between all members of the farm with herAccounting WorkshopOUR RECOMMENDATIONS Streamlining the process: Purchases – Commissioner – GracielaMore thorough documentationConsolidation of books by animal, revenues and expensesDescribing costs Calculating profitsOn a per pound basisKnowledge of profit level

37. Marketing Workshop

38. Marketing Workshop

39. English WorkshopPRESENTATIONGoal:- Provide farmers with an interactive experience to learn English Created set of pictures to teach vocabulary to the farmers

40. Common phrases

41. Cultural exchange

42. “Hello” in many different languagesEnglish WorkshopRESPONSEFarmers were eager to learn the words and phrases we taught themThey took notes and were very involvedIn the days following, a few of the farmers would try out the phrases they had learned

43. Application of Classroom Learning and KnowledgeApplied marketing and accounting skills Calculated financial projections, breakeven points, and profit forecastsCommunicated in Spanish

44. Strengthened teamworkFarmers’ Comments on Their ExperienceFirst, nervous and anxious for our arrivalHopeful for the help we could give in creating a more consistent income that would allow them to send their children to schoolSurprised and happy to see how caring, involved, and helpful we wereOvercome with gratitude for our contributionsPleased to have made a “new family”

45. Students’ Favorite Parts of the TripCultural InteractionExploring Panama CityEnjoying Delicious FoodLearning about and spending time on the Machuca FarmHelping Others/ Making a Difference

46. Most Powerful Experiences of the TripPower we, as students, have in helping those less fortunate than ourselves

47. Dedication of farmers Lives, aspirations, and cultural values of the farmersEducation is important yet unaffordable

48. “It was the most amazing experience I have ever had. I have never felt so connected with a group of students than I did on the trip. I met some amazing people and had the time of my life while helping others.”“Everyone should do it.”“This trip was an excellent balance between a fun spring break vacation and a meaningful academic excursion. It was a fun and rewarding learning experience.”Students’ Overall Experience

49. Students gave a resounding:DEFINITELY!Would You Recommend this Trip to Other Students?

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