Follow the progress of the team here.
Project Lead - Julia Pasternack Our goal is to construct composting latrines to improve sanitation and agricultural development in the atlantic coastal region of Nicaragua. We are currently working with Sustainable Harvest International (SHI) in the Kukra River communities, which is about a 4 hour trip south of the town of Bluefields. This opportunity will not only dramatically improve the lives of Nicaraguan families, but it will also allow for students from the Engineering department at UCLA to utilize their skills as engineers through actual hands-on experience. Only 25-50% of the Nicaraguan population has access to adequate sanitation facilities, one of the lowest percentages among Central America (along with Haiti and Belize) based on a 2004 study conducted by WHO (WHO-UNICEF). Diarrheal diseases are one of the main consequences that stem from poor sanitation facilities. Thus said, the construction of these latrines will play an important task in the overall improvement of health for the people living in Nicaragua. In regards to the implementation of this project, we are currently in need of funding and are open to any donations. Meeting Minutes 2/24/09 |
