Renewable energy and aid go hand in hand

Building a geothermal power station in San Jacinto Village, Leon, Nicaragua with engineering consults from New Zealand has lead to aid being delivered to the local school.

Since May 2006 five shipments of school stationery (exercise books, pens, rulers, rubbers), toys and sports equipment for soccer have been delivered, literally by hand.

The Oneness-Heart-Tears and Smiles were approached by the company to provide aid for the school and the company in turn would provide transport. The aid was taken by the engineers who travelled from New Zealand at regular intervals to work on the construction project. Each shipment was stored and a day arranged with San Jacinto Village School to distribute the aid to the students.

San Jacinto Village School works shifts with about 380 junior pupils in the morning and about 320 high school pupils in the afternoon. It is also the resource centre for a number of outlying schools in remote villages, taking the total roll to about 1300.

Taking part in community life has been rewarding for the company employees and has brought a greater sense of oneness amongst the villagers and the construction company.

The Oneness-Heart-Tears and Smiles look forward to future exchange with the school and hope to send packs made by New Zealand children in the next shipment.