MANAGUA — Central America's largest open-air landfill, La Chureca, teems with life amid its towering trash heaps.

Men, women, and children scour the garbage with hooked poles, seeking food, clothing, and recyclables like copper, aluminum, or plastic. Each day, 12,000 tons of waste flood into the site, where 2,200 Managuans dwell amidst the stench, their faces masked against the foul air.

The landfill burns continuously, its thick smoke casting a yellow pall. Amidst the refuse, feral animals roam, and vultures swoop down to scavenge.

Edgar Largaespada, a Managua native, describes the scene as akin to "smelling death," highlighting the dire living conditions.

La Chureca's makeshift settlement resembles a refugee camp—a consequence of the 1972 earthquake that drove many to seek refuge here.

In February, Dave Sevick, a computer consultant from Cranberry, visited Nicaragua to assess the situation on behalf of Goodwill of Southwestern PA. Partnering with local organizations, he distributed refurbished computers to underserved communities, recognizing their transformative potential.

Sevick's initiative, ComputeReach, aims to bridge the digital divide by providing technology to those in need. Through partnerships with organizations like Goodwill, they repurpose discarded computers, offering them to schools and clinics in impoverished areas.

These efforts bring hope and opportunity, empowering individuals with essential computer literacy skills for a brighter future.