Carlos Manuel Gonzalez, 14, mobilized his Scouts group in Mexico to make face shields when he found that a member of the group, a nurse, had concerns about protective equipment supplies at their local hospital. His project led to a donation of 10,000 face shields to hospitals and vulnerable people across the country.
"I was worried that many people would fall ill, we still don't have a vaccine and things can only get worse, so we should at least ensure that the team is a little better protected,” says Carlos.
Armed with a 3D printer, Carlos started by downloading 3D models he could use to print the base for the face shields. Conscientious about the environment, Carlos uses a biodegradable material called PLA for the base.
After printing the base, he would attach a piece of clear plastic to the front to form the complete face shield. He’s quick to point out that these face shields can be worn multiple times with proper cleaning.
Soon, Carlos started recruiting his friends with 3D printers, A?ngel and Jonathan, to help increase production of the bases. Then Luz, Pao, Luis and David started working on the final assembly with plastic and elastic.
These friendships and the spirit of helping the community are what make Scouts so rewarding for Carlos. He joined when he was seven and belongs to a local group in Cuautitla?n Izcalli, Mexico where he lives with his parents.
Healthcare workers with face masks produced by the project. United Nations photo: CINU México/Gabriela Ramírez
The project goes national
The news about what Carlos and his friends were doing soon made its way back to Scouts headquarters. The Scouts association sent Carlos a 3D printer so that he could further increase the rate of production.
It also enlisted other Scouts groups across Mexico to start making face shields. The Scouts association provided them with 10,000 pieces of plastic for the fronts. The finished face shields have now been distributed to healthcare staff in different hospitals and to vulnerable people in low-income areas.
Reflecting on the impact of his work, Carlos reminds us that solidarity is the key to tackling the pandemic. "If you have a lot of material at home, don't throw it away, you could make face coverings or do something that could help others, because there are some people who don't have enough money, resources, or even a house to protect themselves from COVID.”
