Tierras Morenas' water project begins before partnering with Global Brigades. Prior to working with the WASH team in Honduras, community members had already contacted other organizations hoping to build a well. Yet, they encounter another challenge, they would need to cover 50% of a project valued at $10,000. So, how did they come to inaugurate their water system this past July?
Tierras Morenas faced a challenge many take for granted: access to clean water. After failing to start a water project because of financial barriers, community members had a flash of optimism after hearing about Birgit Priest, who had previously volunteered on a Brigade with Eli Lily. Birgit had recently funded a water system in El Caragual, a nearby community. After hearing the determination from community members to build a necessary well in their community, she decided to provide funds for the project.
Water system project challenges and solutions
With a functional well, the next step for Tierras Morenas was to develop an appropriate water system that could supply the community. Alongside volunteers from an Engineering Brigade, the water system was developed. Still, once again, the community faced financial hurdles to finalize the implementation of the project the WASH team and volunteers worked on. Despite this long timeline, Birgit's commitment did not waiver, as she would become a donor to ensure the completion of the entire water system.
The new water system sparked a transformative change in Tierras Morenas. It directly benefits 40 families, reaching a total of 160 people. Reliable access to clean water improves health, sanitation, and overall quality of life. The project in Tierras Morenas was carefully planned. Here are some of its details:
- 2+ miles of custom-designed piping to ensure efficient water distribution throughout the community.
- 200-foot drilled well serves as the primary source of water.
- 2-horsepower electrosubmersible pump with a control panel and voltage regulator for reliable water extraction.
- Electrical controls for house protection to safeguard electrical components.
- 10,000-gallon tank for water storage.
- 40 house connections, allowing individual homes to access the water supply directly.
- 22 hygiene stations built as indicated from public health telebrigades surveys
- Distribution network valve control boxes to manage water flow.
- House water meters with concrete protection boxes to monitor water usage.
How can a donor help?
Birgit, one of the main donors from the project, shared more of her experience as a donor and volunteer:
"To say that my experience working alongside Global Brigades in Honduras has been life-changing sounds like an overused cliché. But in my case, I can back that claim up with some facts.
Since I discovered Global Brigades through a ‘TeleBrigade’ in 2021, I have started learning Spanish, participated in a Medical Brigade in 2023, visited Honduras and the local Global Brigades staff three other times on my own, donated stock and cash, and – most importantly – included Global Brigades as a beneficiary in my estate planning.
I am a scientist by training and profession, and my affinity for facts and rational analysis carries through to my preferences for charitable giving. In that respect, I was immediately impressed with Global Brigades. In my view, the scale is just right: they are large enough to work with local and international partners and thereby maximize their impact, but also local enough to understand their community partners. When carefully choosing a community, they start a life-long partnership with that community. This is critical for achieving sustainable solutions.
At the same time, Global Brigades offers amazing support to their volunteers, making their safety the number one priority. They guide everyone through all the Brigade preparations, patiently answer questions, and often become long-term friends. I have been extremely impressed with everyone I have met at Global Brigades. They are professional with a huge heart and a big smile."
Future Efforts and WASH Brigades
The inauguration of the water system at Tierras Morenas was not only a finalization of a project, but also a moment to celebrate years of hard work, collaboration, and the contributions of individuals for a greater project. This journey includes TeleBrigades, In-Person Brigades, extensive fundraising, and the training and empowerment of community leaders. This collaborative effort culminated in the realization of a dream: a community with full access to a sustainable water system.
For potential donors and volunteers, it offers a glimpse into how multi-disciplinary teams —including Public Health, Engineering, and Water Brigades— a Brigade, year-round staff, and donors can collectively impact a community.
Are you interested in global public health? Learn more about our work and joining a Brigade. Become a part of global change.
