Income Generation
Nicaragua and Honduras are two of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere
More than 50% of people live below the poverty line, and in rural areas, many people live on less that $2 a day
Education and employment are often hard to achieve in rural areas, creating a cycle of poverty for generations.
Chlorine Distribution
EOS International’s water purification systems use locally sourced chlorine tablets to disinfect drinking water. Water chlorination has been recognized by the WHO as one of the safest, low-cost, and effective methods of treating drinking water. Additionally, our market-based chlorine tablet distribution program creates income opportunities for entrepreneurs.
An EOS technician delivers chlorine to the 50 chlorine distribution centers throughout Honduras and Nicaragua. These centers receive the new tablet delivery from EOS, and provides the EOS technician with a report of last month’s sales, along with the repayment of sold tablets at cost. The chlorine distribution centers then sell tablets from their home or storefront where neighboring communities travel to purchase the tablets. In other cases, the distribution center delivers tablets to communities by motorcycle or bus. EOS technicians also call the chlorine distribution centers to receive an up-to-date report on tablet inventory to keep our records updated and accurate.
Fuel-Efficient Ovens
Traditional ovens are made of dirt and have only one cavity to place coals and food to be baked. These traditional overs are dangerous, slow, and require a tremendous amount of firewood, with high costs to both the user and the environment.
EOS created a safer alternative by using a metal barrel supported by bricks and rebar that allows for continuous baking and requires and 80% less wood than a traditional oven. Since its introduction in 2009 we’ve had an overwhelming response from local bakers and business owners. Many women are able to start their own businesses alone or as a cooperative with other women in the community. The improved ovens allow them to bake goods to sell at their local markets, generating income for themselves and their families. By baking and selling goods, women can pay off their initial investment in less than three months.
“Before this oven, I wasn’t able to spend much time with my family. Nowadays, we take our children to school and spend all day at home. I dream that my business will keep growing and that it will not only provide for our family, but also create jobs for other people around our community.”
Silvia, Oven Beneficiary
