Building Latrines in Nicaragua

Due to a flood a few years back in Nicaragua, many families had to release their land to the government to receive new homes. The new "homes" were no more than four concrete walls and a roof, if they were lucky. There was no access to proper restrooms which lead to public defecation and general lack of sanitation to cause health issues for the community members. 

Our UNLV EWB student chapter visited Nicaragua in 2013 for an assessment trip during the summer. The team went to the community of San Francisco Libre and discussed the most immediate needs of the general population with community representitives. The community expressed their overwhelming concern regarding the lack of proper sanitation and the negative effects associated with this problem. To address this issue, The UNLV student chapter decided to build two-pit composting latrines. 

Our program consists of building 40 latrines for 40 families. We have successfully built 31 latrines since we started implementation in 2014. What's so great about these latrines is that they are designed to turn human waste into usable compost. These latrines can last for generations! Not only that, we also provide an education program that teaches the community members the importance of proper hygiene and how to maintain their latrines to ensure the sustainability of the project. 

Engineers without Borders believes all people should have access to basic human rights which definitely includes proper sanitation. 

We have fundraised $10,000 out of the $15,000 needed to make this project a success. We only have 9 latrines left! Please help us, the UNLV student chapter, raise the remaining 5K and help those in need access their basic needs. 

With your contribution, we can continue building a better world, one community at a time.