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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS |
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The objective is to
improve the physical living conditions of the poor in
Nicaragua. |
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Challenge:
With
2.1 million people living in shelters built from scraps, the
infrastructure of most rural communities is almost
non-existent. Poor sanitation leads to poor health. Lack of
even the most basic recreational facilities prevent young
people from enjoying team oriented activities. With very
little land to call their own, family gardens are rare and
very few families own livestock. Cooking over wood fires has
also led to a depletion of available timber and a high cost
for those that do not own their own land. |
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Approach:
Amigos
for Christ will assist in the construction of strong cinder
block homes that can withstand the severe environmental
conditions in Nicaragua, latrine/shower houses that promote
good sanitation and cleanliness, and recreational facilities
that promote sports. We will become advocates and trainers
in small plot gardening and adopt the Heifer Project model
of livestock ownership that provides a sustainable source of
food and possible income. We will search for alternative
cooking methods. |
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Our community
development projects fall into 3 main areas: |
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Home
Construction |
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We believe that
every poor family deserves a safe and dignified place to live.
Having built over 700 new homes in Nicaragua, we have the
expertise to fund, design and engineer a basic three-room home
with 500 square feet of living space. Each lot would have space
for micro farming. Beneficiary families must invest in sweat
equity and civic obligations to be eligible for consideration in
a home construction program.
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Latrines &
Showers |
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Good personal hygiene and
sanitation are the first defenses against disease. We designed
an innovative latrine and shower unit that will be included with
new family homes that have access to a running water system. |
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Family
Assistance Programs |
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Food subsidy programs ensure the
health and well being of families who are unable to provide for
themselves. Member families must have a justifiable reason for
unemployment. Most only remain in the feeding program for a
limited amount of time. Each family receives enough monthly
food rations to supply nutritious meals for all its members. |
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