From Nicaragua, keeping on in the midst of troubles

Whatever else is happening in their nation, rural Nicaraguans still need sources of clean water and toilets -- and will build them if we help. El Porvenir has been doing this work of over 25 years and persists still.

The rest of this post is a letter from Rob Bell, El Porvenir executive director, describing how the work goes on. Emphasis mine.

Nicaragua continues to have some uncertainty, and Nicaraguans are nervous about the future. Experts predict that the economy will continue to contract in 2019. However, in spite of the socio-political situation, El Porvenir continues to work on water, sanitation, hygiene education, and watershed restoration projects. We can continue our work because of the good relationships we’ve built with community members over the last 28 years.

We are coordinating efforts with Nicaraguan government institutions and have partnerships with local governments: the Waslala Mayor’s Office just made a significant contribution to support projects there. El Porvenir is always a neutral party and avoids politics.

We are working with RASNIC, the Nicaraguan Water and Sanitation Network; currently we are helping to coordinate the NicaraguaSAN Forum, a conference focused on sanitation solutions.

Some of the areas where we work present more challenges than others. San Lorenzo has seen more emigration to places like Costa Rica; this makes it harder for families to contribute financially and with labor to projects.

We are working with the National Police, letting them know where we’ll be and when we’ll be giving workshops, chats, and trainings. Attendance at these events has dropped because people are nervous about being seen in groups that could be perceived as political. We let the police know about our activities for the security of attendees and for our staff.

We work to improve the health of rural Nicaraguans through clean water projects and remain committed to continue working on water, sanitation, hygiene education, and watershed restoration.

Above: Staff member Lester Gonzalez in a newly constructed and proudly decorated latrine

We need your support to continue this life-changing and life-saving work. Please make your gift today at El Porvenir.

Thank you for making our work possible. With your ongoing support, we will empower even more Nicaraguans to better their lives.

In gratitude,
Rob Bell
Executive Director