Growing up in the Nicaraguan city of Bilwi is tough – amidst frequent power cuts, overcrowded schools, gang violence and drug culture, is the extortionate costs of basic supplies – including water. In such a poor and desperate environment, it’s common for youths to fall into gangs and associated violence.
But an innovative new WaterAid training programme has found a way to help young men and women find another path.
Among Bilwi’s many problems is the scarcity of drinking water. Although the area is surrounded by rivers and lagoons, just one in five people has access to the unreliable municipal water supply. Public waterways and streams are visibly polluted. Only about half of the city’s population has access to a toilet.
The city needs trained plumbers, masons and engineers to keep water and sanitation services running. WaterAid and its partner AMEC (Aerobombas de Macate, meaning ‘Windpumps and Ropepumps’) have set up a practical scheme training students to become skilled young entrepreneurs in the field of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
Once they are taught the masonry and plumbing skills needed to build water wells and toilets, some have established their own profitable plumbing businesses. Filling the demand not only keeps them busy, it also brings health and economic benefits to their community.
Photos by Jordi Ruiz Cirera
