Nutrition

Promotores de Salud

This project seeks to train men and women to provide first aid service in their communities. Those who are working on the project participate in monthly training and their responsibilities include serving the patients and keeping written records of each case.

Water

"The stone in the water knows nothing of the hill which lies parched in the sun."

- African Proverb

Decreasing Water-Borne Illnesses by 80% - Clean Water Brings Life

History: Since the first Medical team traveled to our Sister Diocese in November of 1992, water-related illnesses have presented the most serious public health problem. Many of the people were malnourished not only because they lack the resources for food but also because parasites found in their water supply rob them of the few nutrients they do eat.

Facts: More than 300,000 cases of diarrhea are reported each year in the Dominican Republic, and it is the leading cause of death for children from 1 to 4 years old, according to a 1994 study by the Pan American Health Organization. According to a 1995 study by the World Health Organization, in this world a child younger than 5 dies every eight seconds from a diarrhea-related illness.

Research: In an effort to focus on the root cause, a study was conducted to investigate the public water supply in areas of our Sister Diocese.

The study found that there was no safe public source or natural source for water in the area.

Finding a solution: The best solution is a feasible, cost-effective water filtration system that each family could buy, maintain, and use to filter the water for cooking, cleaning and most importantly drinking. Water-borne related illnesses have been reduced by up to 85% in certain areas.

The current filters cost $35 and are provided to families for $10 while donors here in the US sponsor the remaining $25. There is a recurring cost of $4 to replace filtration materials per year. To date over 20,000 water filters have been placed in the homes of our brothers and sisters in the Dominican Republic, reducing illnesses and creating sustainable life for those who are in need.

How it Works:

1. A family may purchase a water filtration system for the equivalent of $10 US dollars. The parts are made in the United States, the buckets in the Dominican Republic, and the filters are assembled in the Dominican Republic. These filters allow for households to have potable drinking water..
2. The filter consists of two 5-gallon buckets that are made in the Dominican Republic. These are stacked on top of each other. Inside of each filter is a sediment filter that removes dirt and parasitic cysts. These filters need to be replaced approx. every eight months at a cost of $3.50 US dollars.
3. The second filter in the lower bucket is an activated carbon filter that removes chlorine and organic contaminants. The carbon and screen are replaced approx. once a year at a cost of $1.00 US dollar.
4. Water must be prepared ahead of time. One cc of bleach is added to every one gallon of water. This must sit for 45 minutes. The prepared water is poured into the top bucket. The water filters through the sediment and then the carbon filters.
   

Honey Bees-Fair trade honey project

This is an Apicultura-special project managed by North Carolina bee keepers with the intent to implement a local fair trade economy. As of yet, there is no processing plan or export agent to bring this project full circle. If you have technical expertise in this area or would like to help, please Contact Us

Click the following link to download the HoneyBee Application Form

Project B.E.E.S.

Click the following link to learn how Project B.E.E.S.helps give nutrition to children