PROGRAMS

IMPACT

WATER

Where we work, community members obtain their drinking water from shallow, unlined, and uncovered hand-dug wells or open springs that are often far from their homes.

We work with community members who ask for our support on the following types of water projects: drilled wells, gravity flow water systems, spring capture systems, electric pump water systems, and water quality testing.

Water systems pipe clean, treated water to homes; each home tap has a water meter and families pay usage fees that go into a maintenance and repair fund.

SANITATION

Only 45% of rural Nicaraguans have safe sanitation facilities. We work with rural Nicaraguans to build home, school, and health post double pit latrines or flush toilets as well as school hand washing stations.

Latrines and toilets: This system is sustainable as users cycle through the two ventilated pits. By the time one is full, the second one is safe to empty out. In areas with enough water access, we also partner with communities to build flush toilets with basic septic.

School hand washing stations: Children who attend schools with latrines/toilets and hand washing stations are 20-30% less likely to miss school than children who attend schools without these amenities (CARE). School hand washing stations are situated near the latrines/toilets so students remember the importance of washing their hands. Hand washing stations have running water and soap.

WATERSHED RESTORATION

Reforestation: Community members plant tree nurseries and then strategically transplant the seedlings to areas in critical need of protection such as water recharge areas and at the water source. Our reforestation staff follow up to ensure survival of the seedlings, teaching community members how to collect and store seeds for next year's nursery planting.
Watershed restoration: Community members learn about agroforestry and silvopastoral systems, intentionally integrating trees with crops to create a sustainable land-use system. By doing this, they increase food production, rejuvenate damaged land, increase rainwater absorption, and reduce soil erosion.
Fuel-efficient vented stoves: Indoor air pollution by traditional, smoky, wood-burning stoves is as detrimental to health as smoking 2 packs of cigarettes a day (WHO). Fuel-efficient, vented stoves use 50% less firewood and vent out indoor smoke.

HEALTH/HYGIENE EDUCATION

This program is the key to our success; it's where community members learn how to reduce water and sanitation-related illness through good hygiene practices.

Our Health Educators teach communities how to maintain their water and sanitation projects through community workshops and household visits.