This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Marguerite Leeds. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
The project was to improve water access and sanitation at the school.
A summary of Marguerite’s report is as follows:
Scope of work:
This project was a 50-50 cost share between community sources and Water Charity funds. The community partners were excited to be so deeply invested. Together, Water Charity, the village Government, and community members built an exterior hot-water hand washing station in front of the Jon village school, a 2-shower shower-room, and a hot-water dish-washing station in the school kitchen. Additionally, we gave a training-of-trainers to spread hygiene information within the school and allow effective use of the new infrastructure.Specific work done:
A septic pit was constructed, a pump was added to the existing on-site water cistern, a small building was constructed to house the showers, an exterior hand-washing station was installed, 2 hot-water heaters were installed, 2 interior sinks were installed for hand and dish washing, and all items were linked together with new, functional pipes.
After completion of the above infrastructure, all teachers from the school were given a tour and training. This training included correct hand washing technique, critical timing for hand washing, discussion of the value of handwashing, distribution of a local-language curriculum (electronic and beautiful published materials) for hand washing promotion, and a schedule for their own in-classroom sessions, monitoring, and evaluation of students to confirm delivery of lessons.
Work progression through each stage: The plan for this project was a very quick construction timeline during the summer break followed by a year-long hygiene promotion program. Unfortunately, construction lasted through the fall semester into the spring. For this reason, the desired program was not provided, but instead substituted with training-of-trainers in March 2017, and schedule for internal monitoring and evaluation. In this way, a lasting and sustainable solution for low-hygiene has been implemented in Jon village.
End Results:
The end result is modern conveniences in accordance with basic sanitation standards. All are in working order and fit local needs and expectations. Everyone in Jon village, especially at the school, is very excited. Simple excitement is already helping to promote hygiene. Better yet, accurate information has been distributed and will be disseminated in a sustainable fashion. The excitement, energy, and values built by this project have lead community leaders to apply for and receive a large ARIS grant for community-wide water infrastructure. In the future, the school project will be hooked up to community water sources ensuring flow and usage of the constructed items.
We are grateful to Marguerite for completing this excellent project.
