Bramadero-San Rafael, Nicaragua

About the Community: Bramadero is a small rural community with 107 inhabitants (37 households) closely related to a bigger community named San Rafael. This community is highly dependent on agricultural cycles and this represents the main income generating activity. Even though the community claims to be accessible all year round, there is a 300 meter rocky road section in the main entrance to the community that requires coordination with the local leaders to have access to the community through a private farm. The community infrastructure is a school providing multigrade schooling and no health post is built in or nearby the community.

Source of income/industry: At this point in time, little is known about the industry in the community.

Community hardship(s): The community does not have access to water in their homes. All of the people and the local school rely on water from 2 wells located approximately 700m from most houses. These wells are equipped with manual rope pumps. The wells are located in the lower area of the community and they are around 150m away from each other. There is a stream that crosses near the well and during the rainy season, the wells become inaccessible due to high water.

Past Projects: None, this is a new program!

Impact(s) of the projects: Not yet applicable.

Future project(s): Our first project will be to install a solar pump for the well that the community uses for water. This water will be pumped to the community and stored in a tank for use. By using a solar pump, the community members will not have to walk so far to get water. Additionally, this makes water accessible year round when it was previously inaccessible during the rainy season.

Funding Status: We have currently raised about $300 for this project from a few, various fundraisers. We are hoping to apply for a grant this fall. We are estimating we need $5000 for an in person assessment trip.

What's next: Currently there are travel restrictions through 2021. With communication with the community, we are assessing whether a remote assessment or in person assessment in 2022 is our best option.