Discovering Resilience and Adaptability in Nicaragua
Elona Rokines Ortaz and her family at home in El Brasil, Nicaragua.
Our team’s recent trip to El Brasil, Nicaragua, showcases the adaptability and resilience of communities when equipped with the right knowledge. Thanks to the incredible work of the SMART Center, supported by CAWST’s training partners, these communities have the opportunity to make informed decisions about their water, sanitation, and hygiene. Our partners have been instrumental in ensuring that families in the community can choose the solutions that best fit their needs.
An unexpected discovery
An abandoned biosand filter in the compound of Elona’s home
CAWST’s Director of Global WASH Services, Taryn Meyers, spotted a brightly-painted biosand filter lying unused in front of a home. Curious, she stopped to investigate. She was welcomed by Elona and her family. They explained that while the filter was effective, it attracted cockroaches and other bugs due to the moisture it retained. They decided to stop using it because they didn't know how to stop them from entering the filter. While the biosand filter was the right choice for some of their neighbors who didn't seem to have bug issues, it wasn't right for them.
Finding a better fit
Elona shows the team her family’s new filter
Inside their home, they showed Taryn the family's new solution: a ceramic candle filter. This filter, distributed by our partners at the SMART Center, proved to be a better fit. Affordable and effective, the ceramic candle filter has been providing clean, bug-free water for the family for almost a year. The family is happy with their decision. They use the filter daily without any issues.
Making water knowledge common knowledge
“This is what I would truly call making water knowledge common knowledge: the importance of safe water. That a treatment was required, regardless of whether it was the biosand filter or this amazing ceramic candle filter. This family knows how important it is to have safe water for their children, for themselves, and their grandchildren.”
This story highlights the importance of CAWST's technology-agnostic approach and our focus on spreading knowledge that empowers communities to choose the best solutions for their needs. The family's transition from a biosand filter to a ceramic candle filter demonstrates the value of having access to the right information tailored to their specific context.
Taryn's experience in Nicaragua underscores the critical role of our partners in making water knowledge common knowledge and providing local solutions to meet local needs. Through their dedicated efforts, communities are educated about the importance of safe water and are equipped to select the most suitable solutions. This collaborative approach fosters resilience and adaptability, allowing families to make informed decisions that enhance their health and well-being.
As we continue our work supporting partners like the SMART Center around the world, stories like these inspire us to keep spreading knowledge and empowering communities. Our true impact lies in the informed choices that people make for their health and the well-being of their families. This ongoing partnership and shared commitment to education and empowerment are what drive meaningful and sustainable change.
Read more: To learn about our work with partners in other regions, read a recent blog post about partnering for impact in Cameroon.
Give: Your contributions are vital in helping us empower more communities worldwide. Consider making a donation today.
Learn more: If you're curious about the solutions we promote, explore more about the biosand filter and our comprehensive multi-barrier approach to water treatment.
