This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Edward Rosenbaum.
To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
The project was to build a handwashing station at the public school in Messamena Village.
Edward reports:
The handwashing station in Messamena Village has been finished!
We installed new gutters and built the station using bricks. We obtained the storage containers, and sealed the valves.
We completed the second layer of concrete so that the station would be stronger and last longer. The station can now be accessed from both sides allowing 4 kids to wash at once. We painted the station and added a mural.
We were able to add in steps leading up to the barrels to allow for the students to fill the water source during the dry season when there is no rain to fill from the gutters attached to the roof. Now the students can work together to keep the storage barrels full.
While the last parts of the work were being finished, I continued working with the WASH club in Messamena Village and training the 5 students on how to take care of the handwashing station and fun activities they can do to train the other students about the importance of washing hands with soap before eating/preparing food and after using the latrine.
In the past, students in Messamena Village have suffered from many diarrheal diseases. With this project, the parents and teachers have noticed a significant difference in children’s overall health, attendance and participation in school. Students now are forming healthy hand washing habits at school to take home and teach to their families as well.
This was a great project and now that I know how to complete a concrete station, I am very interested in completing another station at one of the other schools I work. Now that it is dry season and I already know where and how to purchase all the supplies, I know that the next project will be much easier to complete.
Thank you for all your help in making a difference in this community. They are very appreciative of this handwashing station for the benefits it will serve their children for years to come.
We are grateful to Edward, who completed this project despite the adversity of a bout of malaria, requiring his absence from the country for some time.
