In the mountainous region of Nicaragua, a small town recently found a reason to celebrate—a reason that represents hope, progress, and a brighter future. The opening of a new water system now provides clean, drinkable water to 280 community members directly in their village. This monumental achievement means an end to the long and often dangerous journeys many residents once endured, walking over 2 kilometers to distant sources or digging through challenging mountain terrain in search of fresh water. Now, with each drop of clean water readily available, the community is experiencing a transformation that is improving their daily lives in countless ways.
The success of this project was made possible by our dedicated partner, AVODEC, who worked tirelessly alongside the community to bring this dream to fruition. It was not just about building infrastructure; it was about offering hope for the future. The newly installed water system ensures that, as more families settle and the community expands, there will be ample clean water for everyone. This design is intended to serve not only current residents but also future generations for decades to come.
Doña Rosa Lopez, a long-time resident, shared her thoughts on this incredible achievement. She described having the water system as “something beautiful” and expressed how happy it makes her that everyone now has access to clean water. Before the water system, Rosa would walk 20 minutes uphill to fetch water from a distant well. Even with the occasional help of José, who sometimes assisted her in carrying the heavy load, it was a long and exhausting journey from the well to her home. Now, with water available in the village, Doña Rosa can spend her time and energy on other activities that bring her joy and fulfillment.
Maritza Delgado Perez, another community member, echoed similar sentiments. Maritza said that the new water system is a blessing, and she feels incredibly grateful that a dream shared by the entire village—a dream that once seemed impossible—has finally come true. She expressed her deep appreciation for the team that helped bring this vision to life, particularly Don Miguel, whose support made a significant impact. For Maritza, the installation of this water system means she no longer has to walk long, lonely, and sometimes dangerous routes carrying heavy bottles full of water. What used to be a 20 to 30-minute journey for her has now been replaced by the simple turn of a tap, bringing a sense of safety and relief.
Victorino, a community leader who played an instrumental role throughout the process, spoke about the incredible journey the community has undertaken. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, his pride and deep sense of fulfillment were evident. Victorino shared, “The satisfaction of another project completed and seeing the joy and smiles across the village made all the hardships worth it.” For him, this project was never just about laying pipes or installing equipment—it was about seeing children drink clean water without worry, families feeling safer, and the entire community having more time and energy to devote to other pursuits. The smiles that filled the village that day were a testament to the power of perseverance and collaboration.
Looking to the future, Advance Community and AVODEC are excited to announce plans to expand this project to reach over 500 families. Their vision includes spreading the benefits seen in this village to more communities in the region. Clean water doesn’t just quench thirst—it nourishes the potential of an entire community, creating opportunities for education, health, and growth. Through partnerships like this one, and the dedication of leaders like Victorino, Rosa, and Maritza, we are creating a foundation for sustained growth, health, and resilience for generations to come. Together, we will continue working to ensure that no one faces the dangers or struggles of lacking access to safe drinking water.
Names have been changed to protect the privacy of community members.
