Casa Del Niño

Carlitos y Juan Daniel at the Casa Del Niño

NAME: Dorothy Byrne Casa Del Niño
COMMUNITY: La Independencia
LOCATION: Malacatan, San Marcos Guatemala
PARTNERS: Solace International, Asociación Desarrollo Integral Casa Del Niño (ADICN)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Casa Del Niño is a Centre for disadvantaged youth and children that offers food, shelter and vocational training. The project is sponsored by Solace International, who are working with the local community to build the Centre. They have been involved since the outset: establishing the buildings, infrastructure and small businesses that will support the operation of the Centre.
Seres is partnered with Solace International, working on the design and development of the 3.5 acre property to create a project that is environmentally sensitive, and to introduce the community to alternative farming and “greener” construction techniques.
We have a regular presence on the site, which gives us a chance to gain a better understanding of the needs of the community, and help introduce more sustainable practices into the daily routines.

Amigo - learning about solar light

Two 20,000L ferro-cement rainwater catchment tank (a construction technique not previously seen by the community) were very well received, paving the way for us to introduce ferro-cement composting toilets, gray water recycling and an earth-bag guesthouse for volunteers to come to work and stay. The existing septic system (which currently discharges directly into the nearby river) will be converted into a black water treatment system, and we have plans to integrate this into the long-term permaculture that will create small agricultural businesses to bring revenue to the project.

Permaculture classes with the children

The permaculture and water treatment systems will require ongoing maintenance and upkeep, and thanks to the generous support of one of Seres’ key donors, we are now training a young man from the community to learn about how to operate these systems. The children at the Casa de Niño involved in helping – learning about recycling, organic agriculture and water conservation techniques, which is helping to promote a greater interest and awareness in the environmental sustainability of the wider community.

See more pictures on our Flickr photostream.