Copan has about 8,000 people and their main source of income is tourism and farming.  There is an active Rotary club there that the Alliance is connected with.  They are putting in their money and are very active with the efforts. 

There are Mayan villages around Copan.  Problems include access to clean water, education, lack of opportunity for gainful employment, and healthcare access.  Some villages are an hour and a half away from the town.  The terrain is very hilly.  The roads can be impossible to pass under certain conditions. 

IPA’s two major projects include educational and rapid development.  They are supporting 59 schools.  7 kids are going to university.  IPA is supporting about 420 students directly and over 1,400 in the 59 schools.  They are serving about an 1/8 of the students.  Children are staying in school longer since they are being funded and not have to work the farms.

IPA started a pilot program about a year and half ago to assist three villages for “rapid development”.  They assist with creating and running a savings and loan, business planning and implementation, training on customer service, better agricultural techniques and crop expansion, home garden program, and training villagers on basic healthcare. 

A maternity clinic has been equipped by the Sedro Woolley club.  Emergency equipment has been provided to the Red Cross in the area.  IPA can provide minor surgeries and medications and crop training to improve health. 

IPA does water, grain silo, and power projects.  The budget is $200,000 to $250,000 yearly.  There are multiple sources that support the alliance including District grants and private donations.  

IPA is taking on five more villages for the rapid development program.

Our club can become a member of the IPA or donate directly to Friends of the IPA.  You can directly witness the positive effect of the projects, have an opportunity to travel, and meet people. 

For more on the IPA, click HERE