This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer John VanGavree. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
The project was to install 4 sinks in 3 buildings at the school, and connect them to the school plumbing network.
John submitted the following report:
Process Description
Project work began on Saturday, February 12, with the removal of the old pipes and basins in the locations where the new sinks were to be installed. Work continued through the end of the weekend, as community members gutted walls and removed all exposed pipe coming from the ceiling, connecting to the sinks, and leading from the sinks. Work was halted during the following school week in the interest of the safety of school children.
The following weekend, both Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th were spent completing the removal of old pipes and equipment. The following week, purchases of new equipment were made, and during the weekend of the 26th and 27th, new piping was connected to the main building line.
Throughout the following week, workers patched walls, routed piping to level floor areas where sink units could sit, and tiled over wall patching work and other areas of exposed pipe work.
By Monday, March 7th, all sinks had been placed and connected to the new water line, and children began using them.
Final Outcome
The outcome of the project can be considered a great success – work was done as proposed in the project application, and all previously at risk individuals are now in a much better condition as a result of the work done. Cleaner water now flows into and out of the sink areas which were previously very old, dirty and corroded. As a result, it can be confidently said that the health risks to students, staff and each of the families of Romny School #11 have been reduced.Community Comments
The community has been very grateful for the opportunity to partner with an American organization, Water Charity, and a Peace Corps Volunteer to accomplish this project.Director Viktoria Vlademirevna said, “It is very exciting to work with our international partners. We would like to say a big ‘thank you’ for giving us the possibility to do this project. Our children will be healthier and our school will be a more comfortable environment for learning.”
Additionally, a ceremony was held in honor of the PCV and local partners who helped make the project possible. A round table discussion was held with students, and the topics of American lifestyle, Ukrainian lifestyle, and the importance of international friendship were discussed.
Following the discussion, the PCV was presented with a handcrafted Ukrainian folk doll, made by the school children as a symbol of gratitude. The PCV received the doll and noted that this was done on behalf of all project donors and the Water Charity organization, as well as local community members who contributed their time, effort and planning.
We are grateful to John for completing the project and to Robert VanGavree for providing the funding for the project. We also thank John’s other family and friends for providing additional funds that will be used to continue to fund projects in Ukraine.
