Dates: approximately Dec 9 to Dec 19, 2008
Solar Water Pumps, Micro Hydro Systems and Community Development in Nicaragua
Green Empowerment has worked with its local partner Asofenix to install 2 solar water pump projects in Nicaragua over the last 4 years. Students will experience the full gamut of what it takes to implement a community-based renewable energy project, including working side-by-side with community members on a service-project.
Day 1: Arrive in Managua, Check-in to hotel, Group introductions
Day 2: Introduction to history/culture/political situation in Nicaragua, description of our partner Asofenix, description of what to expect in the rural areas;
-Tour of Managua guided by Asofenix Director Jamie Munoz. More discussion of the socio-historical context surrounding development work in Nicaragua,
- go to Nicaragua Institute of History and Culture.
Day 3: Travel by bus to solar water pump project site in Candelaria (village a few hours north of Managua)
-US group meets with community members
-Take tour of the village and solar water pump project site
-Briefing on the following day’s community service project
-Homestay – in the home of a community member or in a community building.
Day 4: In Candelaria, start community service project that compliments the solar water pump project (e.g. building a patio garden, planting trees, or other project identified by the community) working alongside community members.
-discussion with community committee
-Homestay
Day 5:
Work more on community service project (finish)
-Dinner together
Day 6:
Travel to Malacatoya – site of newly installed micro-hydro project
-Meet with small business owners that use the micro hydro system to power a part of their business
-Meet with local mayor and discuss their environmental/health/economic development initiatives.
-meet with Peace Corps volunteer specializing in Health
-stay overnight in group house
Day 7:
Return to Managua
-Stop by Coffee cooperative that uses Solar thermal coffee dryer
-Typical Nicaraguan dinner in restaurant ‘Casa de Dona Tina’
Day 8:
Meetings with United Nations Development Program, UNICEF, Swedish International Development Agency, Ministry of Energy, US Agency for International Development (USAID)/ US Embassy officials.
Day 9:
Return Home
Accommodations:
Participants should be prepared to expect ‘less comfortable’ living conditions for the 3 days when visiting the community. Participants should be comfortable sleeping on mats, and cots – while visiting Candelaria and other project sites, not in Managua. While in Managua, we will be staying at a modest, but comfortable hotel.