U of T Austin PH Brigade Mar 2014 Nic

Start Date: Mar 10, 2014 12:00 AM
End Date: Mar 16, 2014 12:00 AM

Public Health volunteers spend 7 days in Nicaragua, improving basic home infrastructure & sanitation and providing health education to help reduce the incidences of life-threatening, but preventable, diseases in a rural community. With an understanding of the holistic model that focuses on education, community health sustainability and infrastructural development, volunteers first receive a comprehensive introduction to the country\\\'s public health challenges and the Public Health program\\\'s ground-up solution. They will take a tour of the community and introduce themselves to the beneficiary families. Then, working side-by-side with community members and local masons, volunteers construct five infrastructure projects meant to improve the health of the home and surrounding environment: eco-stoves, latrines, pilas (water storage units), showers and concrete floors. Additionally, as a key component of the program, Public Health volunteers collaborate with the local teachers to help provide community-wide education workshops and training, proliferating sanitation and hygiene practices and empowering families with both the knowledge and tools to live healthier lives.