El Potrero, Nicaragua

 We returned to El Potrero in the Summer of 2025 to complete three key subprojects: the restoration of a truss bridge damaged by seasonal flooding, the rehabilitation of a suspension bridge to provide safer travel for local residents, and the construction of a building to be used as a clinic and for health-centered informational talks.

Our team of more than 30 students, alumni, and faculty spent three weeks replacing the decking on both bridges. The truss bridge also received structural support upgrades, including the replacement of deteriorated wooden members with angle iron to improve long-term integrity. Construction of the clinic required the placement of hundreds of bricks, set using hand-mixed grout and cement. None of this work would have ben possible without the invaluable support of local community members, who were consistently eager to collaborate and assist throughout the project.

Once again, AWL was welcomed by our generous host family in El Potrero-- Nidia and Julio Mairena, who allowed us to establish our base camp in their front yard and prepared meals for our team throughout our stay. Mapache, our project mascot, kept us company at camp, keeping our spirits high.