This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Andrea Newman. To read about the beginning of this project, CLICK HERE.
Andrea reports:
The project benefited the community of Bajo Membrillo, which is located in a valley of the Comarca Ngabe-Bugle (the equivalent of an indigenous reservation with the political rights of a state) in the highlands of Panama.
9 families live in Bajo Membrillo and none had a latrine. When we began the project only one man had mixed cement. I am proud to say that today, every family has one or two men who learned how to mix cement, construct a latrine floor and use a metal mold to create the latrine seat. They are proud, too.
It seems sexist that only the men mixed the cement, but it keeps with the cultural norms of the area. The women helped to carry the supplies, and are educating their children on the correct use of the latrine. They are particularly grateful.
Just last week I hiked to the community and made sure walls had been placed around the latrine, the last requirement before the beneficiaries could claim their zinc roofs. All 9 latrines now have walls and roofs!
Andrea reported that the funds stretched much farther than she had imagined. She was, therefore, able to building 11 more latrines in her own community!
In all, it is estimated that 120 persons are benefiting from the construction of these 20 latrines.
We are grateful for the funding provided by Six Senses Resorts & Spas.
