Downwind of the volcano is Panama, the poorest region of La Concha. The air is so chemically laced that the latches on exposed doors wear away within months. Water is so scarce during dry season that they cannot use toilets, even with donated NGO water tanks. But we are not here to see what they cannot do, but rather, what they can.
Armed with a micro-loan from a social enterprise, a group of local women have opened a small storefront next to a church with a blue door. Here, they recycle newspapers to create bags, magnets, ornaments, baskets. The quality is incredible, given the materials. The drive and the passion are clear.
The women invest the profits that they make back into the village of La Concha. This is business for good.
exploring & escapades 
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