This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Jessica Friedman.
To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
The project was to renovate two bathrooms at the center.
Jessica reports:
The Grace Christian Mission (GCM) Bathroom Renovation Project began in August 2011, in an attempt to improve the sanitation facilities for the shared girls and boys bathrooms at our residential center. Previously, the bathrooms were poorly kept with clogged drainage, no doors, poor lighting, old tiles, and no separate area removed from the toilets for bathing. This renovation project was designed to make the rooms more hygienic and to provide privacy for each stall.
The above goals were met through a few basic processes. First the bathing and toilet facilities were separated by removing one walls and toilets to create a larger stall for bathing purposes. The clogged and outdated drainage systems were fixed by removing old pipes and adding PVC with a smaller angle to allow for easier drainage. Showerheads and new faucets replaced the old broken fixtures, and for necessary privacy simple doors were attached and the walls extended upward. A basic ceiling of plywood was added, and the lights were replaced.
It was my belief that this project would be finished within a month or two. However, the calculated budget was insufficient to conduct all desired renovations, and specifically the tiling. Thus the time frame was extended to search for counterpart funds.
Due to shortage of funds, the final step of replacing the old tile was delayed for over 6 months. The funds were obtained and the work completed. This resulted in a great improvement in the hygiene and sanitation of the facility.
The children are pleased to have a cleaner and healthier environment for bathing and using the toilet, and GCM is thankful for this opportunity to continue protecting the health of our residents. On behalf of Grace Christian Mission Home, we thank you for making this project possible.
GCM Administrator Jeanne A. Marigondon extended the gratitude of the organization:
We would like to thank you so much for helping us renovate our children’s Bath room. Without your help maybe this will not be done because the center has no enough funds for renovation of our facilities and this make wonderful because kids help to learn how to use it properly. Also, our gratefulness to Ms. Jessica Friedman being a Peace Corps Volunteer for working hard to tap an organization that could help us.
We, in turn, are grateful to Jessica for completing this project, and again extend our gratitude to The Soneva SLOW LIFE Trust as a part of their Clean Water Projects for providing the funding.
