U of T Making a Concrete Difference in the World

Hello friends!

We are very excited to offer you a wonderful opportunity to make a concrete difference in the world! In May of 2018, our dedicated group of University of Toronto Students will be taking a trip to Jinotega, Nicaragua, where we will partake in a wonderful community service initiative.  

This initiative aims to improve the quality of life in Jinotega by addressing two main issues: shelter and health.  Group members will be taking part in the construction of one home and two biodigestors over the course of their week-long journey. The homes we are building offer more protection and safety than their predecessors, and the biodigestors offer a healthy alternative to burning wood inside, while doubling as a brand-new latrine.

Now I know what you’re thinking: “what in the world is a biodigestor!?” These wonderful machines are specialized latrines that harvest the methane gas produced by humans when we vacate.  This gas is then used as fuel for various appliances (oven, stove, heat source) in the homes.  This allows for eradication of thick, harmful smoke produced by burning wood inside.  The health benefits associated with these biodigestors are innumerable!

Over the course of the trip, we will be living with and working alongside community members toward the end product. Check out the pictures of the homes and biodigestors below!  The cost to build two homes is only $8,000, which is also our group fundraising goal!

Thank you so much for your generous donation – together we will make a concrete difference in the world!