Andrew´s Community Phase

My second phase was spent in 2 small communities near Achuapa in northern Nicaragua and it was a great experience.

The project involved bringing clean water to families who currently used contaminated river water for drinking. So we dug trenches for water pipes, helped to transport bricks to use for wells, creating wells at natural water sources and mixing cement. The work was difficult and very hot, but it was really rewarding when each house was able to switch its new water supply on.

The team lived with the local families in groups of two or three. The family that I lived with were really kind and generous, we were definitely well fed and my Spanish improved a lot! We also got to teach English in a local school which was fun and all the kids were very enthusiastic.

I liked the fact I got to visit another country too, Nicaragua is much hotter and dryer than Costa Rica and is the 2nd poorest country in the Western hemisphere. Living with the family meant I was able to really experience what life is like there. The journey was a big downside though - 2 and a half days on a bus each way!