Health
One of the greatest initiatives of the project is to improve the dire situation of the Nicaraguan health crisis. The project team is committed to improving the respiratory, dental, and gastrointestinal health of the local peoples with appropriate and sustainable technology.
Locally making eco-stoves and replacing the open fire pits in the homes is the solution to increasing the respiratory health of the women and children that would otherwise cook and breathe in soot and ash. Dental care is provided by a locally paid dentist, and is supplemented by donations of toothpaste and brushes. Rounding out the ability to improve the health situation are the bio-sand water filters. Around the world 1.1 billion people are unable to afford safe clean water, and Project Nicaragua wants to reduce that number though the bio-sand water filters. The water filters are produced locally and distributed to the community as household water treatment. Working on health initiatives is one of the quickest ways to improving the quality of life.
Eco-stoves
Eco-stoves are an inexpensive way to improve the health of women and children in rural Nicaragua. Typically cooking over an open fire within the home, many women suffer with respiratory illnesses and frequent burning of the eyes and skin. The eco-stove replaces this traditional open fire with a new design including a chimney which removes the harmful smoke.
If used correctly the stove requires significantly less firewood therefore allowing for more time to do things to better themselves and their family such as education or working. The stoves are made using two prefabricated slabs of cement and then put together using bricks, blocks and concrete. The main part of the stove is the chimney that funnels the smoke outside the home. Since they require little to no maintenance, the stove initiative is easy to upkeep.
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Bio-sand Water Filters
With over 1.1 billion people in the world lacking access to clean, affordable and safe drinking water, the bio-sand water filter addresses the need that many rural Nicaraguans have. The Bio-sand Water Filter is a household water treatment that filters out 98% of all viruses, bacteria, e-coli and pathogens – allowing for clean water. Safe water and hygiene practices are introduced into the home providing information on the transmission of germs and the causes of sickness. The filter has been proved to be an easy and cost effective way of improving the health of the beneficiaries because it reduces the incidences of diarrhoea, and other water related gastro-intestinal ailments.
The filters are made out of cement, are filled with washed sand and rocks and have a flow rate of 1L per minute. Using the concept of the slow sand filtration and establishing a biological layer to purify the water, the filters are a great way to introduce clean, safe water and sanitation practices into the home.
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Dentist Program
To help provide dental care to rural Nicaraguan communities, a local dentist from northern Nicaragua contributes basic dental care services. For many communities, it is the first time receiving dental services. Oral hygiene is a primary focus teaching people how to correctly brush and take care of their teeth. Toothbrushes and toothpaste are complimentary and are sent from Canada since many families do not own a toothbrush or do not have enough for each member of the family.
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