Thanks to additional funding from a number of generous donors, in 2016 we were able to continue work on the La Laguna Satellite Center in Matagalpa.
In 2013, SOL began to work with the community to build a new preschool and learning center. Although the preschool and parts of the center are operational, the center still lacks electricity.
Because electricity is not available locally, in early December we installed a new solar energy system in the learning center. This marks SOL’s first solar-powered project!
Once the learning center is fully powered, we will equip it with several laptops to make a computer-based education area. Other rooms in the center will be used for a library, a community meeting space, and a multipurpose room.
In addition to the solar system, we have completed a number of smaller construction tasks at the learning center. These include the installation of a water tank and drainage system, building benches and a small retaining wall, and touching up paint.
This project has incorporated a number of green, clean and recycled building materials. Part of the learning center’s patio was built with repurposed plastic soda bottles, which formed the base of some foundation bricks. We hope this is just the first of many projects to utilize green materials.
View photos of the solar installation here.
View additional photos of the La Laguna learning center here.
Special Thanks
This project was made possible thanks to the generous gifts from the Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley, Bill Place, The First Congregational Church of Sonoma, the Iantosca Family, and Roger & Holly Wright.