This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Chelsea Leroux. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
The project was designed to install a water storage tank at the school. In actuality, much more was accomplished, with the construction of a rainwater catchment system and sink, and the beginning of a follow-up project.
Chelsea reports:
We are happy to report that the Rotoplas implementation water project in La Primavera is now complete. The project has eliminated the need for students to carry 2 L bottles of river water each day to school.
With the help from Water Charity, the students now have a much more secure system of water from a Rotoplas that collects rain water as well as a beautiful pila that allows for washing hands and dishes.
The students’ parents, directors, and teachers came together to help construct a cement stand for the Rotoplas, build a rainwater catchment system, and connect the Rotoplas to the pila through PVC tubing.
Each day after snack the children are required to wash their dishes and brush their teeth before returning to the classroom. This option was not available prior to the implementation of this project due to a lack of water. Also, now a big bucket is kept in the bathroom that holds water for the children to use to flush the toilets at all hours, rather than just in the afternoon as was the prior protocol.
The project has directly benefited 509 individuals, and also has given the school motivation to continue improving their water sanitation in the other buildings of the school as well. The school has already built another stand for another Rotoplas in a different building of the school while also working with another organization to improve the sanitation of the pilas. They will finish the second phase of this project in January 2013 when school starts back up again.
Overall, the project has been warmly received by many parents throughout the community. Children will now begin learning healthy hygiene practices at an early age and therefore adopt these practices throughout their lives.
We would like to express our immense gratitude for the impact Water Charity has had on the community of La Primavera. Not only can we greatly thank Water Charity for funding the project but also for giving the community motivation and leadership in further improving their school’s sanitation.
Water Charity has made a significant impact on the sustainability in Primavera that we constantly strive to achieve as Peace Corps Volunteers. Thank you Water Charity for all you have done for our community!
We are grateful to Chelsea for completing this important project, and again extend our thanks to the Paul Bechtner Foundation for providing the funding.
