LAS LAJAS - SUN-POWERED HEALTH CARE & EDUCATION

In November, 2010 Power to the People will be installing a 1.5 kW photovoltaic system on a rural 4-room school and a 190W system on a rural healthcare center in the community of Las Lajas. Situated in the middle of an ancient volcanic crater, Las Lajas and surrounding communities enjoys the slow-paced life of a rural agricultural community. Las Lajas, part of the municipality of San Lorenzo, Boaco, is the community located the farthest from the municipal town of San Lorenzo where most of the public services are available. Las Lajas and the surrounding communities are home to over 5,000 people who currently live without access to electricity. While most residents in Las Lajas do not have cars, even aid trucks that occasionally visit the community cannot enter the town during the rainy season because two large river block access to both roads leading into the area.

The two community buildings in the town os Las Lajas are an elementary school with 4 classrooms and one office, and a very unequipped healthcare center in the middle of town. Power to the People volunteers will be installing a solar electric system on the school in order to bring lights and power to the students and teachers, which someday may lead to computers and other advanced technology aids to be used in the school. The presence of lights in the school makes the buildings a perfect place for town meetings, adult classes, and other community gatherings.

The healthcare center in town is run by a volunteer group of 9 people who take turns making sure the center is always open to the community. However, on our recent visit we were surprised to find that the healthcare center was no medicine, no medical signs or charts, and hardly any furniture. For thousands of people in the area that are sick, elderly, or pregnant, making the two hour trek by foot to the nearest hospital is not an option, and if the healthcare center has no supplies this is the only option. In addition to installing a small solar system on the center, we are also gathering donations of healthcare supplies to provide the community with a working center complete with lights and AC power.

We are currently looking for volunteers that would like to go to Nicaragua with us to install this system from November 20 - 27, 2010. If you are interested please visit our Voluntourism page or email info@powertothepeople.org.

For more information about this project, fundraising activities for our next project, or info. about how you can help, please email info@powertothepeople.org.

Thank you for your interest and support!

Boys hanging out at "La Barrera"

Two boys from Las Lajas, Nicaragua