Location
Kounsi, Fongolimbi Community, Kedougou, Senegal
Community Description
Kounsi is a remote mountaintop village of about 300 people. The community is half Fulbe and half is Mande. They speak Pulla Fuuta and Jalonke respectively.
Like many villages in the area, most people have a small area near their house for showering and urinating, then go to the edges of the village, into the forest, to defecate.
A worldwide nonprofit with operations in the area began a latrine project 1 ½ years ago, but failed to come through with the funds. This left people in 6 villages, who had begun digging holes in anticipation of the project, without latrines and skeptical of promises.
There are 15 holes in Kounsi that have already been dug, and need funds for completion.
Project Description
This project is to build 15 latrines in Kounsi.
The 15 participants have each prepared a hole ready to be capped. Most holes are 1 m by 1 m, though some are slightly larger. The soil in the area is laterite, so there is no need to line the inside walls of the latrine.
The materials will be transported by a market truck. There will be one mason in charge of capping the latrines. He will lay woven bamboo over the hole, then begin the cementing and enforcing process with rebar.
The village will provide the privacy fencing, which will be made of woven bamboo constructed in the village. Most families have their fencing ready to put up and will do so once the latrines are capped.
Water Charity funds will be used to pay for transportation of materials, labor, costs of mason, and cement.
Each family will be taught proper handwashing and hygiene practices.
Project Impact
The village chief believes that this will provide the entire village, 300 people, with access to a latrine.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Ashleigh Baker
Comments
This is an important project to enable an entire village, with a demonstrated commitment, to make latrines accessible to all. It will have a widespread impact on the health and wellbeing of the community.
Ashleigh previously completed the Koboye Well Improvement Project – Senegal, the Koboye Latrine Project – Senegal, and the Koboye Latrine Project, Phase 2 – Senegal.
Dollar Amount of Project
$540.00
Donations Collected to Date
$540.00
Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 – This project has been fully funded, through the generosity of Michael and Carla Boyle, of Nelsonville, OH, USA.
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.