Partner with a school in Nicaragua
In July 2011 WaterAid began work in Nicaragua. The program is providing lifesaving water and sanitation to indigenous communities on the Caribbean coast, where nearly 80% of the population lives without these basic needs.
How you can help
We are looking for US schools or community groups to partner with schools in Nicaragua for the 2012-13 school year. US partners will commit to making a difference by helping bring safe water to Nicaraguan students, while also learning about their life and culture. The US partners will raise funds that will be used to:
- Provide safe water in schools using sustainable, low-cost technologies.
- Install hand washing facilities and gender-segregated toilets.
- Promote student-led hygiene education to maximize health benefits.
A child enjoying safe, clean water in Nicaragua.
The work done at each school will vary by need, but all results will be improved access to clean water and toilets. The estimated goal will range from about $3,000 to $5,000 per school.
By raising funds and awareness in your community, you can help your partner school in Nicaragua get the water and sanitation they need to improve their health and education.
This will be a unique opportunity to share photos and journals with students, learn about the world water crisis and most importantly - make a direct difference in these students’ lives.
Contact us
To get involved for the 2012-13 school year or for more information, please contact WaterAid at 212.683.0430 or
email us. We welcome any US school or community group that wishes to join our efforts, and will work closely to facilitate a partnership that fits their needs.
Download our information sheet
Partnering with a Nicaraguan school (PDF 168KB)
Imagine school without water
Every day, thousands of children on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua wake up to another day at school without clean water or safe toilets.
Some schools have no water and sanitation facilities at all. Others, like Los Amiguitos School pictured above, have wells that have now run dry.
Even before heading to school children will likely face the difficult and time-consuming chore of collecting the family’s water from unsafe and often contaminated water sources.
Water and sanitation have a huge impact on children’s education. Girls especially must often stay home to collect water and water-related illnesses prevent children from going to school.
One of WaterAid's priorities in the region is to help schools set up good water and sanitation facilities, using low-cost technologies like rainwater harvesting, hand-dug wells fitted with rope pumps, and pour-flush toilets.
As well as improving health, our sanitation programs in schools will help create healthier and pleasant environments there, which should encourage children to attend school more often.