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CAPSTONE PROJECTS MEXICO 2024 - 2025
Thanks to University of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering and Winds Of Change
Reto Juvenil Internaciona identified the lack of water supply that Casa Hogar CNF, an orphanage in Texcoco and Casa Hogar San Vicente in Ajusco, Mexico has access to. In order to provide a sufficient amount of water to the orphanage, Reto Juvenil Internacional is looking for a solution via a solar water heater to save on gas heating costs. As a secondary task, Reto Juvenil Internacional is looking for a solution to convert the electrical water pump and other building needs at Hogar CNF to solar power, to reduce electricity costs and be able to buy more water.
Students from University of Toronto, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering in collaboration with Winds Of Change are working together to desing and set up a solar water heater and potential solar powering, They are working the idea generation process, design energy requirements and alternative design solutions, to implement the best option to support the orphan kids at social risK.
CAPSTONE PROJECT COSTA RICA 2024 - 2025
CAPSTONE PROJECT COSTA RICA 2024 - 2025
Thanks to University of Toronto - Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering and Winds Of Change
The wetlands of Palo Verde National Park in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, is home to Typha dominguensis, an invasive plant species. A group of local women from the Bagatzi community nearby, has previously used this plant to produce large sheets of handmade paper.
They helped to mitigate its spread while generating income for their families and community. However, recent economic challenges, including a reduction in tourism and increased operational costs due to Covid, had forced operations to be suspended due to a lack of profitability. Reto Juvenil Internacional, on behalf of the Bagatzi community, has reached out to the University of Toronto Capstone Program for assistance in resuming paper manufacturing operations.
The goal of this capstone project is to improve the papermaking business resulting in an increase in profits and the possibility of reducing energy costs during the process through the installation of a photovoltaic solar array.
MENSTRUAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT 2024
Most girls and women in Upala, rural Costa Rica zone, have no prior experience using sanitary pads. While on their period, they usually stay at home until it stops. Women are unable to attend social functions, and girls are not able to go to school. Many girls and women there struggle every month just to manage their periods hygienically, something that many of us take for granted. Lacking access to basic sanitary and hygiene products or facilities, women are forced to use unhygienic cloth and girls often skip school out of shame and fear of bullying.
Lack of basic products or knowledge about how to manage menstruation can lead to both physical and psychological harms and results in girls missing out on crucial education.
The Project MHM MENSTRUAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT Project August 2024 distributes washable, reusable sanitary pads as part of a sustainable response to the challenges faced by females in rural upala communities.
Thanks to University of Connecticut in collaboration with Isabella Helgeson, BOLD and the Reto Juvenil Internacional team, with logistical support from local Partners such as Costa Rica Ministry of Health – Jasmines EBAIS, Ministry of Education, Upala Women Office and Upala Local Government; We identified and worked with the most vulnerable female community members to support with our hygiene and sanitation Program.
Rural females received a dignity kit, that contains a sanitary pad, informative brochures and training. The females were trained in how to use the pads “The sanitary pads are eco-friendly, cost-effective and can be re-used for 5 years” and how to contact and access specific free programs to promote rights and opportunities, In addition, the women received transport and lunch.
Objectives Achieved
- 200 girls and women provided with 1 reusable sanitary pads as a sustainable, hygienic and cost effective menstrual management solution for vulnerable females in Upala, Los Jasmines Village and surrounding communities of rural Costa Rica.
- Reduce school dropout, improved academic performance amongst student girls, and better quality of life for rural women field workers
- Promote good hygiene habits that build high self-esteem amongst the females and create awareness about the needs of the females with support from the local health authorities.
- Achieved personal development amongst rural girls and women through education that promotes self-awareness, positive social behavior, and career counseling, avoiding social ills.
- Train the 200 beneficiaries on proper use and care of reusable sanitary pads so as to ensure that the objective of hygienic and sustainable menstrual management is attained.
- 200 beneficiaries Empowered in:
- Shower. Part of Self-Care
- Women right to organize in associations and foundations
- Effective maternity protection
- Some legal advice for women
- The Menstruation
- Domestic violence
NICARAGUA Children Dining Hall "Infrastructure Improvements"
El comedor benefits directly 220 primary school students from 5 to 13 years old and supports around 200 families. This wonderful program serve a daily plate of food for the kids ( rice and beans mainly) provided thanks to casual donors.
Mothers help to cook every day for a plate of food too but we spend a lot of money paying electricity bills, gas or buying wood to cook the food.
El comedor:
- Provides a safety net from hunger children
- Provides “Our children’s ability to grow, learn, and meet their full potential . . . because depends on regular access to healthy meals.
- Provides Training and Workshops to encourage children and families to grow and improve their quality of live.
Today thanks to Winds Of Change, Canada, we set a solar-powered electric stove that is helping the dining program to feed more kids instead pay the for Electricity bills to cook, and winds of change also donated the amount necessary for the urgent infrastructure improvements transforming El Comedor in a better and safe place for the Kids to eat and share.
Thank you very Much
Winds of Change
RJI WINNER 2024 “Best Youth Leadership & Community Development Initiative"
Thank you for being part of this experience
Thanks to all of you: Volunteers, Community Leaders, Schools and Universities, Donors, Public and Private Organizations, Partners, Collaborates, Associates and Board Members.
We at Reto Juvenil Internacional are honored to have been chosen amongst hundreds NGOs for this award. Your support and help played a pivotal role to obtain this award.
“Best Youth Leadership & Community Development Initiative 2024”
By Acquisition International
The voice of modern business, dedicated to delivering vital updates and analysis of the largest corporations in the world. Acquisition International magazine's annual awards have been highlighting the amazing work done by firms and individuals. With a focus on those committed to a ceaseless dedication to innovation, customer care and the continued growth and improvement of their businesses.
Reto Juvenil Internacional Award Reflects our Compromise with :
- Innovation: Innovation: Develop an innovative approach adapted to new technology to solve urgent needs.
- Leadership and Community Empowerment: Demonstrating leadership in inspiring change while addressing specific community needs.
- Impact: Tracking and documenting results that show a positive, tangible and sustainable impact.
- Partnerships: Developing innovative partnerships including private-public initiatives and with other nonprofit organizations.
- Transferability: Sharing and transferring knowledge, expertise and experience through networking and learning.
- Transparency: Promote transparency, accountability and integrity.
Gracias por ser parte de esa experiencia.
Gracias a todos ustedes: Voluntarios, Líderes Comunitarios, Escuelas y Universidades, Donantes, Organizaciones Públicas y Privadas, Socios, Colaboradores, Asociados y a nuestros miembros de la Junta Directiva.
En Reto juvenil Internacional nos sentimos honrados de haber sido elegidos entre cientos de ONGs para este premio. Su apoyo y ayuda jugaron un papel fundamental para obtener el premio como:
“Mejor Iniciativa de Liderazgo Juvenil e Iniciativa de Desarrollo Comunitario 2024”
By Acquisition International
La voz de los negocios modernos. Dedicada a brindar actualizaciones y análisis vitales de las corporaciones más grandes del mundo a lectores corporativos. Los premios anuales de la revista Acquisition International destacan el increíble trabajo realizado por empresas e individuos, se enfocan en aquellos comprometidos con una dedicación incesante a la innovación, la atención al cliente y el crecimiento y mejora continua de sus negocios.
Este Reconocimiento a Reto Juvenil Internacional Refleja nuestro Compromiso con:
- Innovación: Desarrollar un enfoque innovador adaptado al uso de la nueva tecnología para trabajar y resolver necesidades urgentes.
- Liderazgo y empoderamiento comunitario: demostrar liderazgo para inspirar cambios y al mismo tiempo abordar necesidades comunitarias específicas.
- Impacto: Seguimiento y documentación de resultados que muestren un impacto positivo, tangible y sostenible.
- Asociaciones: Desarrollar asociaciones innovadoras que incluyan iniciativas público-privadas y con otras organizaciones sin fines de lucro.
- Transferibilidad: compartir y transferir conocimientos, conocimientos y experiencia a través de redes y aprendizaje.
- Transparencia: Promover la transparencia, la rendición de cuentas y la integridad.
