Angaza Nursery School Well and Handwashing Station Project - Kenya

Location
Tindinyo, Mokwo, Kapkangani, Kapsabet, Rift Valley Province, Kenya

Community Description
Tindinyo is a small rural village in North Rift Valley Province located off the Kapsabet-Chavakali tarmac, just outside of the beautiful Kakamega Forest. The majority of the community is of the Luhya tribe and earns a living through farming.

The community uses local rivers and streams as their main water source during the dry season, from October to March. However, this water is often contaminated and contributes to the high occurrence of typhoid and gastro-intestinal problems, both of which greatly affect children under the age of 5.

Angaza Charity Organization is a community-based organization that was started by 17 members of the village to help support the growing number of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in the area. They since established the Angaza Children’s Centre, which offers free nursery school education to local OVC.

While the nursery school has provided clean, permanent latrines for the children, there is no readily available water source on or near the compound.

The group pays to have water brought to the compound from a stream about 2 km away each morning to provide cooking and drinking water for the children. Due to the difficulty and cost of obtaining water for the nursery school, hand washing is infrequent for the children and the staff.

Project Description
This project is to dig a 40 foot deep borehole on the nursery school compound. In addition, a handwashing station will be built.

A secure cover for the well will be constructed (which will remain locked when not in use) to ensure the safety of the children on the compound and control the sanitation of the water.

Members of Angaza Charity Organization will supervise the construction of the borehole as well as provide transportation of materials and food for the workers digging the well.

The handwashing station will be located next to the latrines and consist of a 50 liter water tank fixed with a small tap. The tank will be place on a small table to be provided by the school. Posters on proper hand washing will be posted outside the latrines as well as in each of the classrooms.

Teachers at the nursery school will monitor the handwashing station to ensure the water tank is always filled. The school will also provide the soap supply for the station.

Project funds will be used to pay the well diggers, provide the materials for construction, and purchase the water tank.

Project Impact
42 pupils, 17 Angaza members, and 8 neighboring households will benefit from this project.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Kaylan Buendia

Comments
This project will provide a long-lasting, safe, convenient, water supply for the children attending the school. The neighboring families will also have access to the borehole. It will eliminate the use of contaminated water and thereby reduce waterborne illness

The permanent handwashing station next to the latrines will also have a large health impact, reducing fecal-oral transfer.

The project has an extremely high impact for the funds expended, and is being implemented to serve for many years to come.

Dollar Amount of Project
$410.25

Donations Collected to Date
$410.25

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative, with the help of friends and family of Peace Corps Volunteer Kaylan Buendia.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Kaylan of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by the PCV and/or other projects in the country of service.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Angaza Nursery School Well and Handwashing Station Project – Kenya

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Kaylan Buendia. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

The project was to dig a 40 foot borehole and build a handwashing station at the nursery school. Kaylan reports:

On January 31st, my supervisor and Angaza Project Coordinator Elly Chepkwony picked up the funds in Kapsabet. That same day, while in Kapsabet, we purchased the tap for the handwashing station and the padlock for the well.

Upon returning to Tindinyo, we met with the diggers for the borehole and arranged a payment contract with them. They started construction that same day. Angaza members Mama Hadah and Mama Martha both cooked and organized for meals for the workers digging the well.

Originally we thought we would hit water at 40 feet, but we didn’t end up hitting water until we reached 46 feet. This is due to the fact that we were digging during the dry season. However, this factor is good because it means that even during the dry season we will have water. Had we been digging in the rainy season we would have hit water much sooner, but would have run the risk of it drying up when the rains stop. Currently, it is the deepest borehole in the area.

While Angaza was the initiating group of the project, the community members really took ownership of the bore hole also. Upon learning that it was not just for school use, but also for the public, neighboring community members would come by to check on construction, offering their help and advice on how to ensure security of the well in the future and keeping the water and surrounding areas clean.

Through bargaining, we were able to afford a much larger storage tank than originally anticipated of 500 L. The tank was purchased on February 8th and kept safe at a member’s home until installation on the 9th. On the February 9th, the well construction was completed.

Laminated posters on proper hand-washing were hung in both classrooms and near the handwashing station by nursery school teacher Martha Shigali, and the tank was situated within a platform structure constructed from materials provided by the Angaza group. This structure will ensure security of the tank and discourage theft. The tank was placed between the latrines and the classrooms, just under the classroom roof. This was decided by the Angaza Nursery School teachers, so that in the future they can save some money and arrange a water catchment system from the classroom roof to the tank.

On Monday, February 15, the neighboring community members were invited, as well as Angaza members, to the school compound for an official opening of the well. They were surprised and grateful to know that they now not only have access to clean water, but that it is free. Normally in this area when private compounds construct wells there is a fee for fetching water from them. They were informed that there will be an Angaza member on the compound every day from 4 pm to 6 pm to unlock the well for public use. This time frame ensures that the well stays secure throughout the night and that during the day when the kids are present, they will not be distracted by people coming on the compound for water.

Kaylan relates quotes from the community:

“We are so grateful to have water at the school. There is nothing more important to have at a nursery school than clean water.” –Evans Shigali, Angaza member and Early Childhood Development teacher

“This is something that will last for many, many years. The number of people who will be impacted from this cannot be counted.” –Elly Chepkwony, Angaza Project Coordinator

We again wish to thank Six Senses Resorts & Spas, together with Kaylan's friends and family, for providing the funding for this project.

Anjiro Well and Dam Project – Madagascar

Location
Anjiro, Toamasina, Madagascar -- Fokontany (Neighborhood): Mahatsinjo, Ambilombe, Antanetibe

Community Description
Anjiro is a rural community located in the central highlands of Madagascar. It has a population of about 15,000 people consisting of mainly Merina and Bezanozano Malagasy tribes. However, due to its central location between the capital city and one of Madagascar’s largest port cities, all tribes can be found here.

Most of the population (95%) earns income through farming and cash crops (ginger, cassava, rice, corn, and beans). Anjiro’s “village center” is located about a half kilometer away from one of the main national roads, Route National 2 (RN2).

The community of Anjiro consists of many surrounding mountainous neighborhoods/villages, all geographically located within a 9 km radius from the commune. Many of these small communities have limited access to clean water. Community members dispose of human waste, wash clothes, and bathe from the same water source, mainly from the irrigation canals or ponds in the mountain tops that provide water to the many surrounding rice fields. Much of this water is unsanitary, as often the water source is limited to still standing water which has been sitting in the heat all day.

Community members are too poor (average income of $1.50/daily) to purchase proper water filters and/or chlorine. Small children, pregnant women, and elderly people are especially susceptible to gastrointestinal diseases brought about from consuming unsanitary water.

Project Description
This project is to build three wells and one dam in three neighboring fokontanies (neighborhoods) of Anjiro: Mahatsinjo, Antanetibe, and Ambilombe.

These three fokontanies lie on the westward perimeter of Anjiro. Their western location in relation to the main national road means that they are deeper into the bush and thus community members have a more difficult time accessing the main market and other resources which are considered luxuries (i.e. electricity).

Mahatsinjo
One 10 meter deep well will be built in a central location about 50 meters from the main cluster of homes. Currently, community members carry two buckets and walk downhill, 100 meters, to the irrigation canal to collect water, dispose of waste, and wash their clothes.

The well’s hole will be lined with bricks when the water source is reached. A small brick house with a lock and door will be built aboveground. The house’s roof will be made out of tin.

Ambilombe
Two water projects will be executed in fokontany Ambilombe. Due to Ambilombe’s proximity to the base of a mountain and waterfall, the main cluster of homes lies at the base of the mountain and the remaining houses lie at the top of the summit.

Two water projects are required for this project as community members at the top of the waterfall dispose of human waste, which trickles down to the water source at the base (which is used by the main cluster of homes).

First, a well and brick house, similar to the one being built in Mahatsinjo, will be built at the top of the summit. The well’s hole will be about 8 m deep with similar brick lining, above-ground brick house, and tin roof.

The second water project in Ambilombe will be to restore/renovate an existing natural water dam. The dam has water at its base and provides water to the community members by a PVC tube.

This water source collects from below ground and allows for community members living close to the base of the mountain to access separate water from the dirty waste-filled water collected in the rice fields from the summit.

The existing dam will be enlarged by means of a 2 meter underground hole, and rocks will be placed to filter the water. Above ground, a brick house and tin roof will be built to prevent the surrounding dirt from eroding into the water source.

Antanetibe
The third well will be built in Antanetibe. This community had a water faucet built back in the 90s by a French NGO (TMD). However, the faucet does not operate on extremely hot days during the summers. Currently, community members walk downhill to the same irrigation canal, approximately 100 meters away to access water. A well will be built next to the water faucet. The well’s underground hole will span 12 m deep and will consist of the same design.

Implementation
Technology used to build the wells and dam in these water projects include hiring skilled labor to dig holes at strategic locations in each neighborhood to access a clean water source. Simple brick linings and a protective brick house above ground will be constructed to secure the area from intruders and erosion.

The community is participating in the planning and execution of the project by attending preliminary community meetings led by the President of Anjiro, M. Serge Donah. The president will be in charge of lower level budget control for each of the neighborhoods. In addition, he will assign community representatives in each of the neighborhoods to collect, assign ownership, and contribute materials (including bricks), labor, and transport.

The communities will be responsible for the maintenance (material and financial) of the wells and dam in the long term. The construction of the dam does not damage the surrounding environment, and is environmentally sustainable.

Project Impact
660 people will benefit from the project.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Clifford Duong

Comments
This is a huge infrastructure project that accomplishes a tremendous amount with the existing resources and a modest infusion of capital. It will result in safe water for 3 neighborhoods, thereby reducing diseases from waterborne causes.

Dollar Amount of Project
$555.00

Donations Collected to Date
$555.00 + additional funds

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of AquaBio Environmental Technologies, of Marina del Rey, CA, USA, together with friends and family of Peace Corps Volunteer Clifford Duong, with additional funds from the Elmo Foundation for future projects in the country.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Clifford of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Clifford and/or those of other PCVs in the country of service.

Area Natural Protegida La Magdalena Composting Latrine Project – El Salvador

Location
Canton El Coco, Municipio Chalchuapa, Departmento Santa Ana, El Salvador

Community Description
Area Natural Protegida La Magdalena is a 1,900-acre national forest reserve in western El Salvador consisting primarily of Volcano El Chingo and forming a part of the Salvadoran border with Guatemala. It is home to 119 species of trees, 158 types of vertebrates, 122 species of birds, and 24 natural springs (which supply water to all of the neighboring communities). While protection of this area is obviously critical to the future of the area’s population, specifically its health, it is also challenging due to pesticide use and run-off, the illegal gathering of firewood, and cattle grazing.

The protected area is managed by a Salvadoran (US-recognized) nonprofit, Asociación Salvadoreña Pro Salud Rural (Salvadoran Association for Rural Health), which works to protect and conserve the natural resources of the area, provide environmental education opportunities to nearby schools, visiting students, and the local community, and prevent and control forest fires.

The protected area draws students and researchers from the National University in San Salvador, along with visiting university students from all over Central America and the United States. Visitors have been forced to stay far away due to the lack of available and acceptable sleeping options nearby, which hindered the potential of many of their trips.

Without a fully-functioning camping area, the staff of the protected area is also not able to complete many of their ideal educational programs with youth such as weekend leadership retreats, night-time astronomy lessons, and night-time interpretive walks through the forest.

The camping area has now been completed, but it is still not completely serviceable because of the lack of bathroom facilities. While normal “pit” latrines are routinely used by the population of this area, the camping site’s proximity to a river and multiple springs along with the protected area’s desire and need to avoid contaminating this drinking water source, require the use of a more expensive, but safer and more sustainable, type of above-ground latrine.

Project Description
This project is to build a composting latrine to serve the camping area of the Area Natural Protegida La Magdalena.

The composting latrine will consist of two separate raised receptacles. Every 6 to 8 months, the use is rotated from one to the other. While one receptacle is in use, the other is composting, and within 6 to 8 months organic fertilizer is produced.

Project funds will be used to purchase the bricks, concrete, metal roofing, and hardware for the composting compartments of the latrine.

The protected area will contribute all the labor for the construction, stone to build the latrine’s base, and a long-term maintenance budget and plan.

Project Impact
100 campers and visitors per year at the ANP La Magdalena will benefit directly from the project. At least 1,000 nearby residents will benefit indirectly from the removal of the potential for pollution of the groundwater.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Max Greenblum

Comments
This project is critical to upholding the protected area’s requirements for preserving water quality to neighboring communities and maintaining acceptable sanitation options for its many visitors, while allowing the protected area to continue the expansion of its environmental education programming.

It will provide an example for nearby communities of a more environmentally-friendly option for future latrine construction and supply the protected area staff with an organic fertilizer source which can help in its reforestation campaigns in surrounding schools.

Dollar Amount of Project
$500.00

Donations Collected to Date
$500.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Max of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by the PCV and/or other projects in the country of service.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Area Natural Protegida La Magdalena Composting Latrine Project – El Salvador

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Max Greenblum. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

The project was to build a composting latrine to serve the camping area of the Area Natural Protegida La Magdalena.

Max reports:

With the construction of the environmentally-friendly latrine, the protected area’s park rangers were also able to create a camping area, which will be inaugurated in the coming weeks.

While a few freak rain storms, which very unexpectedly arrived in the middle of the dry season, occasionally slowed construction work a little, overall, I am pleased to inform you that everything went according to plan. The latrine has two separate receptacles, which will be rotated annually (while the other receptacle is composting), not only providing the park with a contamination-free latrine, but also organic compost for their tree nursery.

The park’s staff and management is very excited about beginning to use the composting latrine, which is a new technology for them, and are hoping to use their model to raise awareness of the option of composting latrines to members of surrounding communities.

Maritza Rodriguez, one of the directors of Natural Protected Area La Magdalena, described the composting latrine as, “a key element in our development of the park as it will allow us to begin to better host overnight guests—students, tourists, and volunteers—but also allow us to avoid contaminating the river” (translated from Spanish).

Once again, from me and on behalf of my counterparts at the Protected Natural Area La Magdalena, thank you very much for providing the funds for the project. The composting latrine is a tremendous step in the development of both the protected area and environmental preservation and education in the area surrounding the park.

We again wish to thank Six Senses Resorts & Spas for providing the funding for this project.

Arkhangai Camp Latrine Project – Mongolia

Location
Arkhangai province, Mongolia

Community Description
The Arkhangai province is located in the central-west region of Mongolia. The population is 89,331. and of this, it is estimated that there are 37,443 children ages 0-18 (42% of the population).

The Department for Children will open a summer camp that will operate June 20 – August 21, 2010. The organization just acquired the camp facilities in 2009 and they require a lot of repair in order to be suitable for children.

One of the things that must to be done to make the camp ready is to construct new latrines (also known as outhouses). When the last owners left the camp facilities five years ago, they left latrines that can no longer be used. Since then, the camp has remained vacant. Not only are the latrines in horrible condition, but they are full.

Project Description
In order to ensure the health of the children, four new latrines will be constructed. The latrines will be built in pairs (one for boys and one for girls), one pair at each end of the camp.

The latrines will continue to be used for many years to come. Even if they become full again, they can be emptied and the structure will remain.

Project Impact
The Department for Children aims to bring 1600 children to this summer camp this year. These latrines will be used by all of these children as well as 10 project staff.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Kara Estep

Comments
This project is important for the province in that it adds sanitation and hygiene to a public service that is being delivered to a large and needy segment of the population. The effect of this small endeavor will be widespread, considering the number of people that pass through this facility each year.

Dollar Amount of Project
$494.86

Donations Collected to Date
$494.86

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of the Elmo Foundation.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Peace Corps Volunteer Kara Estep of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by her and/or those of other PCVs in the country of service.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Arkhangai Camp Latrine Project – Mongolia

This project has been completed under the technical direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Kara Estep. To read about the beginning of this project, CLICK HERE.

The project was to build two pairs of latrines at a very-heavily used children’s camp in Arkhangai Province, Mongolia. In actuality, we were able to achieve much more than we bargained for.

Kara reports:

The two latrines were constructed by Department for Children Staff, in time for the opening of camp. As planned, they are at opposite ends of the camp, so they can be conveniently accessed from different areas.

In addition, each latrine has three stalls for girls and three stalls for boys, totaling 6 stalls in each latrine and 12 stalls total at the camp.

According to Kara, the children and camp staff are very happy to have these new latrines, and are grateful to those who made the project possible.

This project demonstrates the Appropriate Projects approach of doing needed projects at once. Our high impact, zero waste, and short turnaround time are unrivaled (even if we must be the ones to say so ourselves).

Arkhangai Hospital Water Filter Project - Mongolia

Location
Tsetserleg, Arkhangai, Mongolia

Community Description
Arkhangai Aimag is a 55,300 square-kilometer province located in the center of Mongolia, with a population numbering 89,311. The province (aimag), divided into 19 soums and 99 baghs, is well-recognized for its mixture of mountainous regions, fertile pastures, wooded hills, abundant natural waterways, and a relatively cool Mongolian climate in comparison to other provinces.

Unfortunately, despite the natural beauty of the province, 78% of the total population that live in soums and baghs, whose annual income primarily coming from raising and selling the meat and woolen textiles from livestock, still lack healthy resources. For this portion of the population, healthy food and sanitary water systems are virtually nonexistent.

The Central Hospital of the Arkhangai Aimag is located in Tsetserleg. Over 100 outpatients pass through the hospital each day. The hospital has an inpatient capacity of 85 and on average houses roughly 35 inpatients daily.

Project Description
This project is to purchase 2 quality water filters, and install them in critical and highly-frequented locations at the hospital.

The project will be implemented under the direction of the Arkhangai Health Department.

The first filter will be located in the recovery ward of the hospital. This will allow patients who are recovering from severe illnesses, surgery, or other issues, the best quality of water available.

The second filter will be located in the first floor waiting room, where a large number of patients pass through and spend time.

The ceramic filters contain elements that remove up to 99.99% of particles, cysts, parasites and pathogenic bacteria including e coli, cryptosporidium, giardia, and salmonella typhii. The silver-impregnated system also reduces chlorine, rust, sediment and organic chemicals.

Each filter will be able to process up to 24 gallons of water per day.

Each filter will purify a minimum of 6,000 gallons, depending on the source water. The carbon matrix interior provides additional support in removing chemicals like chlorine and other bad taste and odor elements.

The candles inside the filters need to be cleaned every 2 months and replaced every 2 years, at nominal cost.

Two trainings will take place to educate the hospital staff. The first will be to educate maintenance workers and nurses on the proper upkeep of the filters and the process for ordering new candles.

The second training will educate the doctors and nurses about the importance of clean/safe water.

Project Impact
36,500 people who pass through the hospital each year will benefit from the project.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Tim Jenkins

Comments
Giving the inpatients and outpatients clean water to drink will drastically improve their health and quality of care. The trainings will give the project a sustainable outcome.

Dollar Amount of Project
$500.00

Donations Collected to Date
$500.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of the Elmo Foundation.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Peace Corps Volunteer Tim Jenkins of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Tim and/or those of other PCVs in the country of service.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Arkhangai Hospital Water Filter Project – Mongolia

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Tim Jenkins. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

The project was designed to install two water filters in critical locations at the hospital. In actuality, three filters were installed, with replacement parts available.

Tim reports:

The filters were purchased from Mongolia's capital, Ulaanbaatar at half the estimated cost. A host country national was able to work out a deal so the filters were purchased at cost. With the savings we were able to purchase 2 additional filters.

Three of the filters have been placed at the Arkhangai Children's Hospital, Central Hospital, and the Provincial Health Department. The fourth filter was damaged during shipping, but the filter has been saved in case any parts are needed in the future.

Originally we planned to place 2 filters in the Hospital, but during our initial assessment I was unaware of the existence of the Children's Hospital. My counterparts and I agreed that having a filter at the Children's Hospital was crucial.

The second filter was placed in the maternity ward of the hospital, but we also recognized that placing the filter in the waiting room of the hospital put the filter at risk of being stolen or damaged.

The third filter was placed in the conference room of the health department. There are 45-50 staff members that work within the department. The department conducts meetings, trainings, and other events weekly. The filter is open to anyone that comes into the building. We estimate that at least 300 people have access to the water on a weekly basis.

I have personally monitored each filter. The filters are being used regularly and have been properly maintained. The Central Hospital has now purchased filters on their own, as well.

We had a difficult time getting the training off the ground. The Central Hospital tried to take their filter before they had received any sort of instruction. But after 2 months of organizing we were finally able to place the filters at each location. The World Health Organization also sent out some materials to be used during the training.

The most unexpected outcome was the Children's Hospital's interest in clean water and sanitation. During the training we spoke in-depth on the importance of clean and sanitary water. Following the training a doctor from the Children's Hospital and I went to 6 kindergartens to teach them about sanitation. We worked with approximately 1,500 students, ages 3-6. I have no doubt that the training directly influenced the doctor to conduct the sanitation lessons.

Arvikheer School Filter Project – Mongolia

Location
Arvikheer City, Uvurkhangai Aimag, Mongolia

Community Description
Arvikheer Soum has a growing population of about 25, 000 people.

In Mongolia, Aimags are the first level administrative subdivision (Provinces). Each Aimag is again subdivided into Sums (Districts).

Secondary School Number One of Arvikheer Soum, Uvurkhangai Aimag has a student body of 2,500. It is the oldest school in Uvurkhangai and enjoys an 84 year history. The school is a leader and model school for the surrounding area, and is the cultural center of the Aimag.

Project Description
This project is to buy a water purifier system for each classroom to provide clean drinking water for students and teachers. The filters are necessary because the water that comes out of the existing water fountains in the school is not drinkable

43 filters will be purchased and one placed in each of the classrooms. The filters will be managed and maintained by the classroom teachers and students.

The filters are of a technology that is well known and widely used throughout the country. They use electricity to boil the water, which is then filtered. This solution works well, as electric power in the town is fairly consistent.

A whole-school filter system was considered, but the cost would have been prohibitive.

Project Impact
2,500 students and 100 teachers will directly benefit from access to clean water in the school.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Esayas Wureta

Comments
A solution to the problem of achieving clean water for a school is always dependent on the individual circumstances that exist in the specific location. This is an example of achieving a good result of clean water in a situation where cost makes this project the only realistic alternative.

The large population using these filters make this a very high-impact project. Safe water for 2,500 students is achieved for a project cost of $500. That comes out 20 cents ($0.20 US) per student!

Dollar Amount of Project
$500.00

Donations Collected to Date
$500.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 This project has been fully funded through the generosity of Steve & Heather, Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada. (Heather is the daughter of Jacqueline Chan, Executive Director of Water Charity.)

Although this project is fully funded, we encourage you to continue to donate using the Donate button below. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Peace Corps Volunteer Esayas Wureta and/or those of his counterpart PCVs in Mongolia.

This project has been completed. To read about the conclusion of this project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Arvikheer School Filter Project – Mongolia

This project was completed within budget under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Esayas Wureta. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

Esayas reports that the project was delayed 6 weeks because there were restrictions on traveling due to the H1N1 virus. However, the purifiers were delivered and set up, and are now fully operational in all 43 classrooms. The school has expressed its gratitude for the clean water now available for students and faculty.

We again thank Steve & Heather, Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada, for their generous donation in funding this project.

Baan Huey Tai School Bathroom Project - Thailand

Location
Baan Huey Tai, Mae Phun, Lap Lae, Uttaradit, Thailand

Community Description
Baan Huey Tai is a rural village in Northern Thailand. It is located in the sub-district Mae Phun of Uttaradit Province. The village is a low- income community and has a population of about 300 people. The majority of villagers are gardeners growing various Thai fruits such as durian, longong and langsat.

Baan Huey Tai School can be found on top of a hill with small mountains surrounding. The road taken to the top is winding with patches of dirt and paved road along the way. There is a temple as the bottom of the road that is still being restored from the flood that occurred four years ago. Many of the surrounding wooden and concrete homes still have the evidence of the water line from the flood.

The school has 130 students and 16 faculty members. There currently is only one faculty toilet, in poor condition. There is often flooding due to poor toilet drainage. An additional toilet is needed to accommodate faculty and visitors.

Project Description
This project is to build a bathroom to serve Baan Huey Tai School. It will have handwashing facilities to promote hygienic practices.

The new bathroom will be built outside behind the school building as an addition to the school. A new structure will be created, but as an extension to the building.

The bathroom will be hooked up to the existing water supply and sewage system.

Fixtures will include one western toilet, a water trough and a regular size sink.

A fluorescent light fixture will be installed inside the bathroom with a switch on the outside wall of the bathroom.

A cement floors floor will be poured and tiling installed. The cement walls will be painted.

Project funds will be used to purchase fixtures and materials, including pipes, toilet, electrical wiring, lighting, and sink.

Faculty and community members created the plan and collected local donations. They will work together to provide the labor to complete the bathroom.

Project Impact
130 students, 15 teachers and one principal will benefit daily from the new bathroom. In addition about 250 people per year will benefit when the school is used for community meetings and events.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Nancymarie Mattner

Comments
This is an essential project needed to accommodate the needs of the students as well as faculty and the general community. As an addition to the school building, it is accomplished with minimal resources, utilizing and expanding upon the existing water, sewage, and electrical services.

Dollar Amount of Project
$500.00

Donations Collected to Date
$500.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative, with the help of friends and family of Peace Corps Volunteer Nancymarie Mattner.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Nancymarie of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by the PCV and/or other projects in the country of service.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Baan Huey Tai School Bathroom Project - Thailand

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Nancymarie Mattner. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

The project was to build a bathroom to serve Baan Huey Tai School.

Nancymarie reports:

The bathroom at Baan Huey Tai School has officially been completed.

The construction began February 3rd. The construction took place next to the nurse's room. They first began by digging the sewage holes for the piping. Also the holes for the pillar supports were dug and pillars were put in place for the corners of the room.

The roof was added over the support beams and a skylight was added to give the bathroom more light. The walls were constructed of bricks and concrete bricks. The ventilation slats and door were inserted and then cement was spread across the brick to even out the surface. A cement floor was put down.

The sink, urinal, toilet and shower fixture were added to the bathroom. To finish off the project, the tile flooring was put down. Construction finished on March 7th.

The bathroom consists of a urinal, a squat toilet, as well as a sink that is inside the bathroom. There is also a shower facility, which will come into use when there are overnight gatherings at the school.

All of the faculty were excited during the whole process. They kept looking at the construction and smiling. Whenever supervisors come to the school, the principal takes them straight to the bathroom and shows what was built.

Thank you so much for your assistance!

We in turn wish to thank Nancymarie for completing the project, and again extend our thanks to Six Senses Resorts & Spas and the friends and family of Nancymarie for providing the funding.

Baan Kong Dtak Nam School Water Project - Thailand

Location
Baan Kong Dtak Nam, Nakhon Sawan, Thailand

Community Description
Baan Kong Dtak Nam is a rural village with a population of about 700 people. The majority of the residents are rice farmers.

Due to the lack of rainfall in the area villagers are only able to harvest a single crop per year. Many of the women in the community are required to hold a second job in order to make ends meet. The average family is living on about 60,000 baht a year.

The isolated village has its own school, Baan Kong Dtak Nam School. It hosts about 40 primary-aged students and only 3 teachers, so there are three grades per classroom.

Because the community is so small there is not much for the young people to do, so the majority of them spend their free time at the school playing sports.

The school is used regularly for community meetings and for large community gatherings.

The school lacks sinks. Currently, students use a faucet that fills an empty fountain basin. Because the faucet is not convenient, many of them currently go the entire day without washing their hands.

Project Description
This project is to install several sinks near the kitchen at the school. Piping will be run to provide a new water source to the cafeteria.

Having easy accessibility to sinks will encourage students to wash their hands more often. The students will be required to wash their hands before being served their lunch.

The work will be done by local technicians under the direction of the school administration.

Project Impact
This project will benefit all of the community’s 700 residents, including the 40 students who attend the school.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Noelle Neel

Comments
The new sinks will allow the students, faculty, staff, and visitors to practice better hygiene. This will reduce the incidence of disease, and instill healthful practices.

Peace Corps Volunteer Noelle Neel previously completed the Nong Sua School Handwashing Station Project – Thailand at a nearby village.

Dollar Amount of Project
$500.00

Donations Collected to Date
$500.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Noelle of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by the PCV and/or other projects in the country of service.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Baan Kong Dtak Nam School Water Project – Thailand

Baan Kong Dtak Nam School Water Project – Conclusion

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Noelle Neel. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

This project was to install several sinks near the kitchen at the school and run new piping to provide a water source for the cafeteria.

Noelle reports:

The project is complete and it looks great. The school now has 10 new sinks that will serve not only the students but the community.

The English teacher informed me that the students are really excited about the new sinks and that they are washing their hands before eating, without being told.

This project will improve the overall health of the students and the community that attends the numerous events that take place at the school.

Thank you.

We again wish to thank Six Senses Resorts & Spas for providing the funds for the project.

Bahía Honda Bathroom Project - Panama

Location
Bahía Honda, Bastimentos Island, Bocas del Toro, Panama

Community Description
The community of Bahia Honda is composed of approximately 250 indigenous Ngobe people, living in distinct homesteads. The Ngobe moved to the previously unoccupied bay on Bastimentos Island in 1972, when population pressures forced them to leave the mainland, which was rapidly growing into a tourist hotspot.

The new residents of Bahia Honda built simple wooden homes on the edge of the mangroves, many on stilts directly above the water. These families subsist mostly as fishermen, boat drivers, and construction workers, and live in extreme poverty.

Latrines cannot function in the wet mangrove environment and the residents cannot afford flushing toilet systems, so they go directly into the mangroves, polluting the ecosystem and harming the health of the residents. The community has agreed as a group that they want to work towards installing adequate bathrooms with flushing toilets and septic tanks – one for each homestead.

Project Description
This is a model project to install the first flushing toilet and septic tank system in Bahía Honda.

One homestead in particular has taken the initiative to raise money, make a budget and prepare a construction plan. The bathroom at this first homestead will serve as a model to instruct and motivate the others to follow suit.

The Castillos homestead consists of 19 people living in three houses, and they plan to build the bathroom in a central location, to be shared by everyone.

Water Charity funds will be used to buy a toilet, a septic tank, pipes, and a small rainwater tank for flushing.

The three households will pool their own contributions to buy the cement, blocks, wood, and tin roofing.

One resident is a skilled construction worker who has created a design for a basic 1 m by 1 m bathroom, with an underground septic tank and leach field. He has compared prices for materials and is ready to make purchases and start leading the construction once they acquire the needed funds.

All the labor will be conducted by community members, many of whom have construction experience. We anticipate that it will take about a week to buy the materials and about three weeks to complete the construction.

Project Impact
19 people will benefit from the project.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Jenny Boyd

Comments
This project uses the appropriate technology under the circumstances. It will protect the environment, have a significant health impact, and serve as a model for others to follow.

Dollar Amount of Project
$555.00

Donations Collected to Date
$555.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of The Andando Foundation.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Peace Corps Volunteer Jenny Boyd of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Jenny and/or those of other PCVs in the country.

Bakai-Ata School Handwashing Station Project - Kyrgyzstan

Location
Bakai-Ata Village, Bakai-Ata Rayon, Talas Oblast, Kyrgyzstan

Community Description
Bakai-Ata is a primarily rural and agricultural village in the west of Talas oblast, one of the most isolated areas in Kyrgyzstan. It is a medium-size town that serves as the Bakai-Ata rayon’s administrative and regional health center as well as a center for commerce.

The town contains over 1,500 households and has a current population of 8,188 residents, 2,000 of which are students, making Bakai Ata one of the larger communities in the Talas Oblast, Kyrgyzstan. The main sources of income in the area is from agriculture though some families supplement this income if a member works at the local government, schools, small shops, or the hospital. There are three schools in Bakai-Ata village; 1,350 students regularly attend these school. All three schools serve grades 1-11.

Currently very few buildings in the village have any running water and most individuals use public spouts. Many schools in Kyrgyzstan deal with this problem by supplying free-standing sinks in which students can top-load water daily. Unfortunately, the Bakai-Ata village schools do not have the funding to provide such equipment.

Without easy access to water, students resort to washing their hands in unclean streams, or not at all. Most students and staff eat lunch at school, use the restrooms at school, and students often attend school sick. Thus, the lack of hand washing stations has a strong effect on the level of hygiene and spread of infectious disease in schools.

Currently, students and teachers haul water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning and, though this is difficult, they are willing to do this for handwashing if stations are provided.

Project Description
This project is to provide 6 handwashing stations, 2 for each of 3 schools, in Bakai-Ata.

The handwashing stations will be located at each schools entrance and near each school's cafeteria. Each station will be a free-standing piece of furniture in which water is added at the top, used through a sink, and exits into a bucket. The students on duty will be responsible for refilling the handwashing stations throughout the day.

Finally, the two Peace Corps volunteers in the village will teach proper hand washing technique and basic hygiene to the students at the three schools.

Handwashing stations are sold by local vendors in Talas City (about an hour away). Six stations will be purchased and transported to Bakai-Ata. Project funds will be used to purchase and transport the handwashing stations.

The project is being implemented under the direction of the Leninpol Humanitarian Lyceum, Lenin Secondary School. Any budgetary shortfall will be borne by the teachers of the school.

Project Impact
This project will benefit 1,460 people: 1,350 students and 110 school staff members.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Athena Parker

Comments
This project utilizes the appropriate technology under the circumstances. It achieves widespread impact with a limited investment, and will improve the health of the students and the entire community.

Dollar Amount of Project
$555.00

Donations Collected to Date
$25.00

ADOPT THIS PROJECT BY CONTRIBUTING THE DOLLAR AMOUNT NEEDED BELOW

Donations of any amount will be appreciated. The full amount will give you "naming rights", if that is something you would like.

Any contributions in excess of the Dollar Amount of Project will be allocated to other projects directed by this PCV and/or projects of other PCVs in this country.

Dollar Amount Needed
$530.00

Balori Well Project - Senegal

Location
Balori, Saraya, Kédougou, Sénégal

Community Description
Balori is a small farming community located about 25 kilometers from the district capital of Saraya, in the southeast corner of Sénégal in the region of Kédougou. The community has a population of about 300 people.

The people of Balori are subsistence based farmers and live in an area that is distant from centralized services, including government and health services. For about four months a year the village is completely blocked off from services due to rivers and poor roads.

Between late January and early June of each year, the groundwater level decreases and the current well for the village often runs dry. There is a lack of sufficient water for basic hygiene and other everyday activities.

Project Description
This project is to build an additional covered well in the community. It will be dug to an increased depth of approximately 12 meters, so that water will be available throughout the entire year.

The well will be located near the edge of town not far from the present well. This site was chosen because it was known to have water.

The well will be built with a combination of brick and cement, with the upper half meter done with brick and the rest of the lining done with cement molds.

Two well diggers and masons from Kédougou(the regional capital) will come to the village to do the work.

The community will provide funds for some of the cement, along with lodging and food for the masons during the construction of the well. The community will also contribute labor to construct the bricks to be used at the mouth of the well.

Project funds will be used to pay the well diggers, to purchase materials (including cement, rebar and steel wire), to transport the materials to Balori from Saraya the district capital, and to construct the cement molds and the mouth of the well.

Project Impact
The project will benefit all 300 people in the village.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Chris Brown

Comments
The people of Balori will obtain needed access to potable water, especially during the dry season.

There is a great amount of community participation, which will ensure a commitment to the project, and makes it likely that the well will be maintained to provide sustained benefit.

Dollar Amount of Project
$500.00

Donations Collected to Date
$500.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has now been fully funded, through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Peace Corps Volunteer Chris Brown of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Chris and/or those of his counterpart PCVs in Senegal.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Balori Well Project – Senegal

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Chris Brown. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

The project was to build a covered well in the community.

Chris reports:

I helped put in a well in the small village of Balori, a village that typically runs out of potable water during the last few months of the hot season, forcing them to walk up to 1-2 km to get water.

The main purpose of the well was to increase access to potable water and to give a possible water source for a future gardening project during the dry season.

The project had mixed results, since the well ran dry two weeks after construction. The depth of the final well (approximately 10 meters) was insufficient to last through the dry season, though at the time it was believed to be sufficient by both the village and the well digger.

The well, however, did not run dry the following dry season. That season was preceded by an unusually large and long rainy season, which increased the water table dramatically. This well increased water access during the dry season, though it failed to meet the full need of the community.

Future projects will require a reserve of additional funds to provide for digging the well dug deep enough to provide an adequate water supply during all climatic conditions.

We wish to thank Chris for completing this project, and again extend our gratitude to Six Senses Resorts & Spas for providing the funding.

Ban Bua Yai Pre-School Water Filter Project - Thailand

Location
Bua Sawang Sub-District, Pananikom District, Sakon Nakhon Province, Thailand

Community Description
The Sakon Nakhon Province is located one hour south of the Laos Border. Geographically, Bua Sawang is located in North-Eastern Esan, which is the central Eastern region of Thailand. It is an arid region that is primarily flat rice fields, with poor soil.

Because of the arid conditions only one crop is raised per year. This is one of the poorest areas of Thailand, and the people have very limited resources.

The Ban Bua Yai Pre-school serves the community of Ban Bua Yai (population 680) and Ban Bua Noi (population 246). This community is located in the center of the sub-district and is a model for the other four pre-schools. The school serves the children and also serves as a meeting hall for the community.

The ground water, which the school currently uses for hand washing/toilet, is not safe for the children to drink. The latest water tests show E Coli and Cholera levels 276 percent higher than is acceptable for drinking. The village has received official notification from the sub-district office that the water supplied from the community well is non-potable and should not be used for drinking.

Rainwater runoff from the roof of the schoolhouse is captured and stored in vessels for use as drinking water for the school. However, the area can go months without rain, resulting in the water becoming stagnant and unhealthful.

Project Description
This project is for the installation of a water filtration unit at the Ban Bua Yai Pre-School.

The selected system, the Everpure H-1200 system, uses a micro filtration system and a bacteriostatic system, and is advertised to eliminate 99.9 % of microbial agents. It is widely used in the area, and recommended by local experts for its effectiveness.

In particular, it is designed to remove, lead, cysts (such as Giardia and Cryptospridim), bacteria, volatile organic chemicals, MTBE, chlorine, dirt, and cloudiness.

The system has a 1/2 gallon/minute flow rate and each filter can process 1000 gallon of water. The system is easy to maintain and the cartridges are easily replaced.

Under the direction of the Sub-District Administration Office (SAO) of Bua Sawang and Teacher Kanitta Sornwongsa, the system, piping, and fittings will be purchased locally using project funds. In addition, local labor will be hired for the installation.

The SAO will make up any differences in the budget with in-kind donations of labor.

Project Impact
This project will benefit 37 people (two teachers and 35 students) at the school, and 50 community members per month who come to the school for community meetings.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Greg Patterson

Comments
This project will help improve the general health of children, staff, and community members who use the school. The community, school, and local government office are committed the project, ensuring timely completion and sustainability.

Dollar Amount of Project
$465.00

Donations Collected to Date
$465.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has been fully funded through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Peace Corps Volunteer Greg Patterson of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Greg and/or those of other PCVs in the country of service.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Ban Bua Yai Pre-School Water Filter Project – Thailand

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Greg Patterson. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

The project was to install a water filtration unit at the Ban Bua Yai Pre-School.

Greg reports:

The water filter project was a success. The children now have clean drinking water, and it was hugely appreciated by the community.

The plumbing for the project was performed by the supplier of the water filter, so it was professionally installed.

The success of the project spurned the community to further improve the preschool, and since we have also constructed a bathroom for the school.

The clay pots used to catch water runoff from the roof have been removed and now the children only drink the filtered water.

Thank you Appropriate Projects.

We wish to thank Greg for completing this project, and again extend our gratitude to Six Senses Resorts & Spas for providing the funding.

Ban Huay Lue Luang Bathroom Project - Thailand

Location
Ban Huay Lue Luang, Muang District, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand

Community Description
Ban Huay Lue Luang is located in the Mae Yao District of Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. This village of 96 members is of Lahu ethnicity, a "hilltribe" spread throughout the northernmost part of Thailand, mostly in mountainous or hilly areas.

Ban Huay Lue is remote-- although only being within 45 kilometers of the provincial capitol, high slopes and rough terrain have prevented an asphalt road from being built to the village. The existing dirt road is drivable during most of the year, but the monsoon season leaves it off limits to most vehicles.

There is a main field in the middle of the village that has a soccer field, a small market and a small general store that serves as the social center of the community. There is one toilet in this field, but is getting old and falling into disrepair. Most families around the town center do not have private toilets so they share this one instead.

This village has difficulty obtaining funding from government sources for projects because of its remote location.

Pictures of the village, the town center, and the old community restroom can be found at the following Picasa web album:

http://picasaweb.google.com/115454689678252677742/BanHuayLueIntroWaterCharity?feat=directlink

Project Description
This project is to build three new toilets in the village.

Two of the toilets will be part of one structure, located where the current town center restroom is. The third toilet will be close to the convenience store, just up the hill from the town center.

The restrooms will be built with cement walls one meter high. The rest of the wall portions and roof will be made from bamboo, a nearly endless and free resource from around the village.

The labor will be provided by community members and provided free of cost. A local community leader has experience in building similar facilities. He has a truck and will purchase the supplies in the provincial capital, transport them back to the village, and supervise construction.

The community will maintain the restrooms. Construction and maintenance will be monitored by RPCV Mark Cox, who visits the visit regularly as a part of his regular work.

Project Impact
96 people will benefit from the project.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Mark Cox, RPCV

Comments
Mark Cox is an Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV), having finished his two years of Peace Corps Thailand service in April 2010. He previously worked in Pa Tan subdistrict, Khun Tan district, Chiang Rai province, and carried out the Pa Taan Daai Bathroom Project - Thailand.

Mark is currently project manager for a poverty alleviation project being undertaken by Khom Loy Development Foundation in Chiang Rai province.

Dollar Amount of Project
$400.00

Donations Collected to Date
$400.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative, with the help of friends and family of RPCV Mark Cox.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Mark of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by the PCV and/or other projects in the country of service.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Ban Huay Lue Luang Bathroom Project – Thailand

This project has been completed under the direction of Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Mark Cox. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

This project was to build three new toilets in the village.

Mark reports:

The three bathrooms are completed on time, and look good. Two are adjacent to the main field in the village, and one is connected to the only general store in the village. The soil there has a high clay content, so the holes were extremely difficult to dig but ended up being done well.

The pictures tell the story of this important and cost-effective project.

We again wish to thank Six Senses Resorts & Spas for providing the funding for this project.

Ban Kadard School Handwashing Station Project - Thailand

Location
Ban Kadard Village, Kokyang, Prassart District, Surin Province, Thailand

Community Description
Ban Kadard Village is a small rural community which derives the majority of its income from farming (jasmine rice and cassava). Farming household incomes vary by amount of land held, but tend to rest in the 2,000 – 3,000 Baht/month (approximately $ 67 - $ 100).

Ban Kadard School is a public school in Ban Kadard Village. There are 408 students, kindergarten through 9th grade, who attend the school. Most children are raised by their grandparents or other older relatives, while parents and other family members work in larger metropolitan areas.

The students do not have facilities for washing hands or brushing their teeth after meals each day. It is a daily habit in Thai schools for the students to brush their teeth after lunch. Unfortunately, the only place for students at Ban Kadard School is to brush their teeth is in the gutter. Many of them don’t wash their hands throughout the day due to the lack of wash basins at school (they currently use plastic bowls for washing their hands after eating lunch).

Project Description
This project is for the construction of a handwashing station at the school for students to wash their hands and brush their teeth.

The station will be a 4 meter-long tiled sink with 26 spouts. It will be located next to the cafeteria so that the students will automatically brush their teeth and wash their hands every day after lunch.

The work will be done by the school’s handyman as well as 3 other community members.

The steps that will be followed to build the sink include getting the work space ready (clearing the area, cleaning, etc.), measuring the space for the sink, making the frame using cement, steel, wire, blocks, and PVC pipes, and laying the tiles and setting up the 26 faucets.

Project funds will be used for materials, including pipe, cement, plaster, steel, tiles, sand, and faucets, as well as lunch for the 4 construction workers for one week.

In order to further promote healthy habits, lessons on handwashing as well as dental hygiene will be incorporated and emphasized in the English class curriculum, and hygiene posters will be made.

Project Impact
All the students from kindergarten through 9th grade, 408 students, will have access to this handwashing station on a daily basis.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Melissa Brown

Comments
This project will improve the hygiene and dental health of the students by making it convenient for them to engage in good practices.

Dollar Amount of Project
$555.00

Donations Collected to Date
$0.00

ADOPT THIS PROJECT BY CONTRIBUTING THE DOLLAR AMOUNT NEEDED BELOW

Donations of any amount will be appreciated. The full amount will give you "naming rights", if that is something you would like.

Any contributions in excess of the Dollar Amount of Project will be allocated to other projects directed by this PCV and/or projects of other PCVs in this country.

Dollar Amount Needed
$555.00

Ban Mai Chai Jayrin Day Care Bathroom Project - Thailand

Location
Ban Klang, Wang Thon, Phitsanulok, Thailand

Community Description
Ban Klang is one of the largest sub-districts in Thailand and is located in the district of Wang Thong in the province of Phitsanulok in the Lower North of Thailand. Ban Klang has 27 villages within a 326 square kilometer area with an approximate population of 20,000 people. The average household income ranges between 18,000 to 56,000 THB (600 - 1,800 USD) per year.

Geographically Ban Klang is located in the Nan Basin which is part of the Chao Phraya Watershed. It is a raised valley basin surrounded by tall rolling hills on almost every side.

The Ban Mai Chai Jayrin Day Care serves two communities: Ban Mai Chai Jayrin (population 680) and Ban Mai Chai Mongkhon (population 1079). The rural villages are considered low-income communities with an average income for households at 40,000 - 45,000 THB (1,300 - 1,500 USD) per year. The main source of employment for community members is farming the various crops in the area, which include rice, corn, rubber, and mangoes.

Like many rural Thai communities there is a deficit of jobs within the village forcing many parents to work in larger cities. This leaves a population of older community members caring for the children. This causes educational institutions in the area, such as the day care and schools, to provide not only formal education but also basic life skills lessons.

The water comes from an underground system that supports the entire village. In addition to the village groundwater they have a reserve water tank which is filled by the Local Administration Office with filtered water, as needed. Runoff water goes into a nearby agricultural field owned by the local administrative office and toilet waste water goes into underground concrete septic tanks.

Currently, there are no sinks, and the children use the same plastic buckets used for dish washing to wash their hands and brush their teeth.

The bathrooms are old, rundown, and mildewy from the constant rain leakage. The squat toilets are adult-sized which is difficult for small children to use appropriately.

Project Description
This project is to renovate the two existing bathrooms at the Ban Mai Chai Jayrin Day Care.

This will include the installation of 2 children-sized sit-down toilets and 2 shower heads.

In addition, 3 sinks will be installed along the outer wall of the day care for hand washing. The sinks will be hooked up to the existing water supply and installed at a lower level for children. The waste will be directed to the existing sewage system.

The sinks will be used for hand washing before and after every meal as well as for brushing teeth after each meal. Children will be also allowed to shower at the school because many homes in the surrounding villages do not have running water.

Ceramic flooring will be replaced, and galvanized roofing sheet will be attached to the roof to prevent rain water from leaking into the bathroom.

Project funds will be used to pay for labor and materials, including sink, toilets, shower heads, basins, hoses, and roofing sheets.

The Sub-District Administration Office (SAO) will administer the project, purchasing the materials and, hiring local labor for installation.

Project Impact
The project will have an immediate benefit for the 50 day care children and 2 teachers. In addition, an estimated 100 parents, teacher assistants, visitors, and future children attending the day care will benefit.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Steven May

Comments
The day care is often the first and only place children are exposed to essential life skills, including proper hygiene. Thus, renovating the bathrooms, installing the sinks, and including shower heads is extremely important and will make a lasting impact in the lives of the children.

Dollar Amount of Project
$555.00

Donations Collected to Date
$555.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has been fully funded through the generosity of Adrian and Kim Jacobs, of Myrtle Beach, SC, USA. The project is hereby designated the “Little Kimberly Jacobs Project”.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Peace Corps Volunteer Steven May of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Steven and/or those other PCVs in the country of service.

Ban Na Community Museum Water and Sanitation Project - Thailand

Location
Ban Na, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand

Community Description
Nakhon Nayok is one of the central provinces of Thailand. The Administrative Division of Ban Na is in the western part of the province.

This project is located on a property centrally located near the Senior Center, Health Center, and the Sub-district Administration Office (SAO), with easy access by all community members.

The community is primarily agricultural, growing rice and fruit. Families living on small farms, less than 10 acres each, rely on selling rice, fruit, hogs and chickens to generate an income.

The community is establishing a museum of local oral history. The facility will also serve many other community needs.

Using senior citizens and high school students, the lives of local people and families will be documented by interviews and pictures. The collection will reflect the community members’ need to identify with the history and the place in which they live.

Each village is directly involved in contributing their family histories to the museum. In addition, the school will use the facility to teach local history, involving the students from an adjoining community, Ban Na.

Project Description
This project is to provide the water and sanitation facilities for the community museum.

Specifically, the project will provide clean accessible drinking water for adults and children through the purchase and installation of drinking fountains and sinks, and a hygienic operational bathroom, by bringing water to the facility.

Project funds will be used to purchase sinks and fixtures as well as pipe, hardware., and other materials.

The community will provide the necessary labor at no cost, utilizing experienced village tradesmen from an approved list.

The museum will be developed in an existing traditional historical wooden Thai building, which is vacant at present. Although it is over 100 years old, it is very sturdy and will provide adequate space for exhibits, community meetings, student visitations and lectures. The building has been donated at no cost.

The museum will be run at little or on cost and on an entirely volunteer basis.

The project is being administered under the direction of Paka Sub-district Administration Office (SAO).

Project Impact
This project will benefit the 10,000 people currently living in the Tambon (13 villages) who can be expected to visit the facility.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Toni Castellucci

Comments
This project has great community support, and is being implemented largely with local resources. The completed facility will be visited by a large number of people who will benefit from the water and sanitation services provided by this project.

Dollar Amount of Project
$500.00

Donations Collected to Date
$500.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has been fully funded through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Toni Castellucci of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by other PCVs in the country of service.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Ban Na Community Museum Water and Sanitation Project - Thailand

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Toni Castellucci. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

The project was to provide the water and sanitation facilities for the community museum.

Toni reports:

Upon receipt of funds, the community met to review submitted bids for the materials and labor for the project. A village member's bid was accepted and the work progressed.

Water was brought to the facility, and drinking fountains and sinks, and a hygienic operational bathroom were installed according to the project plans.

The members of 13 villages served by the museum now have adequate water and sanitation facilities, and have been able to implement a whole host of activities.

We wish to thank Toni for completing this project, and again extend our gratitude to Six Senses Resorts & Spas for providing the funding.

Ban NaAng School Kitchen Project – Thailand

Location
Ban NaAng, Nongbualamphu Province, Thailand

Community Description
Ban NaAng is a rural village in Northeastern Thailand. The village consists mostly of rice farmers, who supplement their low monthly income by growing vegetables, raising chickens for meat and eggs, catching fish, and harvesting rice. They also make rice baskets and weave grass mats.

There are approximately 190 families with 4-5 people living in each house. for a total of 800 people. The elementary school serves as a meeting place for the community and special events.

Project Description
This project is to build a kitchen and install plumbing in an elementary school. The kitchen will provide a sanitary place where food can be cleaned and prepared and dishes can be washed, rinsed, and stored.

Food is currently prepared on a platform inside the cafeteria and a small wash area, which is outside and exposed to rain and sun.

The plans call for improving an existing area by expanding the space, raising the roof, adding two sinks for washing and rinsing, building a counter for preparing and serving the food, and cupboards for storing spices, dishes, pots, and silverware.

The two sinks will be constructed with pipes that connect to the community water supply. Dirty water will drain to two cement filters set into the ground. Each filter is 80 cm in diameter and 60 cm deep, set one on top of the other and will contain layers of small rocks, charcoal and sand.

The new kitchen will be used to prepare lunch each day for those at the school, and for community events.

All of the project funds will be used for materials. Community members, teachers and a few skilled carpenters and tradesmen will provide the labor.

Project Impact
The school has 110 students, grades pre-school to six, ages four to twelve, and eleven teachers, who will directly benefit from the project. Indirect benefit will extend to 800 people in the village.

The new kitchen will provide well-prepared and healthy food for students and community members. It will allow students to learn proper hygienic habits and to take responsibility for cleaning the cafeteria. In addition, it will build a strong relationship between the school and community.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Janet Rose

Comments
This project eliminates an unsanitary and inconvenient food preparation area, and replaces it with a clean facility that will provide healthy meals for students, teachers, and the community.

The strong community and teacher participation will ensure that the facility will be well-maintained in the future.

Dollar Amount of Project
$400.00

Donations Collected to Date
$400.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has been fully funded, through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts and Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative.

Additional contributions were received from Kathy West, Laurie Ryan, and Dale Campbell, of Colorado Springs, CO, USA and Stephen Johnson of Grand Forks, ND, USA.

Any additional donations using the Donate button below will be used to fund other projects by this PCV and/or other PCVs in this country.

This project has been completed. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Ban NaAng School Kitchen Project – Thailand

This project was completed on schedule and within budget under the able direction of Janet Rose, Peace Corps Volunteer. To read about the start of the project, CLICK HERE.

Here is Janet’s report:

The new kitchen was built by donations from three Americans and Six Senses Spa. Before, the kitchen was a part of the school cafeteria/community meeting place with no real space for cleaning, preparing, and cooking food. There was no counter, no water, and no stove. An existing structure with rusted pipes and broken concrete was renovated to be the new kitchen in the following steps:

The center concrete wall and old pipes were removed.
The roof was raised one meter.
Brick walls were built—one side going to the roof with the other three extending halfway. Wire grates completed the walls so the room could be locked but still allow for ventilation.
The floor was leveled and concrete poured.
Two septic tanks were installed underground behind the building.
A counter was added along one side for preparing food.
Sinks were built on the opposite side with water pipes coming in and drains going out to the septic tanks.
Shelves were added for storage of pans, dishes, utensils, and condiments.
A gas tank and burner for cooking was installed next to the counter.

The building was built within five weeks by the school’s janitor and community members on the School Board. Wives of community members cooked food for the workers and two of the teachers also were involved with the project. Students helped bring soil to level the floor and haul materials. Even though it was rice harvest season, parents and community members found time to work on the kitchen.

The local people often come to the school for special events and are very pleased with the new building. The kitchen is now a separate area from the meeting place. Cooking does not interfere with what is happening in the main area. The building can be locked and kitchen supplies do not disappear. The kitchen is very functional, clean, and sanitary. Everyone is happy with the results.

Both Janet and Water wish to again express our gratitude to Six Senses Resorts & Spas, and to Janet’s friends back home, for making this project possible.

Ban Nongkad School Kitchen Project - Thailand

Location
Lomsak, Khukhan, Sisaket, Thailand

Community Description
Ban Nongkad is a rural community in the northeast area of Thailand. Most families in the village of 316 families are farmers who grow rice.

The Ban Nongkad Elementary School is important to the village for the education of local students and also for all school and most village activities. The sanitary condition of the kitchen area of the school has been a problem for a long time.

The water pipes at the school are rusted and leaking. The roof has no gutters and in the rainy season water runs freely everywhere.

Only one sink exists, and it is used to wash food, dishes, hands and many other items. It is located outside of the kitchen room and lacks a roof to block rain accumulation.

Food is currently prepared on low traditional Thai sitting 'tables' outside the kitchen room, in an unsanitary environment.

Project Description
A new septic tank and new raingutters and downspouts will be installed.

A new sink will be installed inside the kitchen, and the current handwashing area will be renovated. New piping will be installed as needed to accomplish the job.

The kitchen will also be improved by the installation of a food preparation table and closed cabinets to hold the cooking and eating utensils. The school will also purchase new pots, pans, plates, and silverware.

The project will be managed by the school Principal. A team of 9 parents and professional builders who live in the village will to donate their services to build the kitchen.

Project Impact
181 students, 13 teachers, and 10 educational personnel will benefit from the project. In addition, 1,300 people in community who use the school facilities regularly will benefit as well.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Susan Goodson Fatherree

Comments
The improvements to the inside of the kitchen and the outside area will allow for the preparation, cooking, and serving of food in a sanitary environment.

It is hoped that the kitchen project will inspire needed support from the school district for additional school improvements, such as the renovation of the toilet area.

Dollar Amount of Project
$500.00

Donations Collected to Date
$500.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has now been fully funded, through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Peace Corps Volunteer Susan Goodson Fatherree of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Susan and/or those of her counterpart PCVs in Thailand.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Ban Nongkad School Kitchen Project - Thailand

This project has been successfully completed, under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Susan Goodson Fatherree. To see the history of the project CLICK HERE.

The project was to install a new septic tank, raingutters, and sink, renovate the handwashing station, and install new piping and kitchen improvements. In actuality, much more was accomplished.

Susan and the principal of the school succeeded in leveraging our contribution by attracting additional donations and a contribution from the school district.

Susan reports:

The project was able to expand from the original plan to put in new gutters and a roof over the outdoor sink area. The final renovation included new concrete floor and drainage canals that corrected an area that constantly flooded; new gutters, a new roof over the outdoor water sinks; a renovated indoor cooking room that now includes new sink and counter space for the preparation of food; 2 new gas cooking burners and tanks; new cooking pots; a new refrigerator; new eating utensils for 184 students; new faucet appliances on all water outlets; and fresh paint everywhere!

Funds for a new septic tank were used to put a roof over the outdoor sink area and walkway to enhance water drainage and runoff. Labor was donated by parents and community volunteers and the students even participated by carrying materials and serving meals and snacks for the volunteers. The project complied with the projected budget and was completed within a one month timeframe. It is a sight to behold!

Susan describes the impact of the project:

The funding given by Water Charity started a domino cascade of cooperation and collective participation in a community that was stifled by the need for financial input. The students now have an improved area to take their meals and snacks that is easier to clean and free of standing water and they are able to wash in an area that is covered.

Food preparation has now been separated from the area where hands are washed. Students, teachers and staff can now conduct sanitary practices that are supported by a repaired and better equipped facility.

Parents were also excited about the project. The community holds many meetings at the school and now they have a well designed and clean area to conduct business and hold social events.

Everyone in Ban Nongkad benefits from this renovation. The villagers of Ban Nongkad want this elementary school to set a new standard for the other schools in their tambon. Parents have taken more interest in the facility of the school that houses their students on a daily basis. And with the actualization of this project, the community is now more committed to take on new projects at the school.

Pa-ah Kwan Panchan, Principal of Ban Nongkad Elementary School and his faculty and students extend warm appreciation to the donors and supporters of this important facility improvement.

As a facilitator and Peace Corps volunteer I wish to express that it has been quite an experience to see how effectively dollars, collective input, and determination can create the impetus for change that is sustainable and ongoing.

So many people can share in the success of this project. And it was great to have the Peace Corps Director for Thailand, Dr. John Williams, pay a visit and show the students on their new world map mural where his home is in America. We all enjoyed refreshments prepared by the students in the new kitchen and eating area. The smiles were beaming endlessly.

The project photos tell the story better than words.

We are grateful to Six Senses Resorts & Spas for providing the funding for this successful project.

Ban Rai School Water Project - Thailand

Location
Ban Rai, Thailand

Community Description
The community of Ban Rai is located in the province of Sukothai, which is the original capital of Thailand. The region is rich with history and contains ancient ruins of the Sukothai empire. The people of this region are proud of Sukhothai's history and celebrate it through festivals and visits to the historical parks.

Forty kilometers away from the historical park lies the community of Ban Rai. The majority of the income in Ban Rai is generated from farming, with over 80% of the land is dedicated to farms. There are a total of 3,616 people living in Ban Rai. 735 people work as farmers, which is 80% of the people who are of working age.

Farmers make a living harvesting rice, tobacco and bananas. Within the community there are two income generation groups. One group makes and sells cloth and the other makes and sells brooms. The average household income in Ban Rai is 41,828 baht a year, which converts to about $1,200 a year.

Local community resources include 4 schools, 2 temples, a daycare, a health station, a night clinic, a cloth weaving center, a post office, the Service Area Office, and a police station.

Ban Rai School was founded in 1946 and is the largest of three elementary schools in Ban Rai. The school consists of 12 teachers dedicated to teaching 232 students, ranging from ages 4-12.

The water supply within the community is limited during the daytime and is often unavailable altogether. At these times, students do not have access to clean drinking water and must drink rain water, which is often contaminated by bacteria in the water tanks and debris and pollutants in the atmosphere. Furthermore, there is insufficient water for cooking, cleaning, and use in the bathroom.

Project Description
This project is to purchase and install a water tank and water purification system for the Ban Rai School.

Project Impact
The 232 students and 12 teachers at Ban Rai School will be directly affected by the availability of clean drinking water.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Kelsi George

Comments
This project will provide the school with a safe and secure source of water. The project arose from a need recognized by the director and teachers of the school. This assures that it will be used and maintained as a valuable school and community resource.

Dollar Amount of Project
$500.00

Donations Collected to Date
$500.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has been fully funded, through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Peace Corps Volunteer Kelsi George of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Kelsi and/or those of her counterpart PCVs in Thailand.

This project has been completed. To read about the conclusion of this project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Ban Rai School Water Project – Thailand

This project has been completed under the technical direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Kelsi George. To read about the start of this project, CLICK HERE.

This project was to purchase and install a water tank and water purification system for the Ban Rai School. The project was finished on schedule and within budget.

The base was constructed, the stand was erected, the tank was fastened in place, and the piping was completed. 232 students and 12 teachers now have access to clean water!

On behalf of the school, the community, and Kelsi, we again wish to thank Six Senses Resorts & Spas for providing the funding for this project.

Ban Sawang Preschool Sanitation Project - Thailand

Location
Ban Sawang, Province of Sakon Nakon, North Eastern Thailand

Community Description
Ban Sawang is located in North Eastern Thailand, in the region referred to as Isan, approximately 50 miles from the Laos border.

Ban Sawang is a small village of 524 people in the poorest area of Thailand. It is a rice farming community that has few resources, and no businesses to speak of. The area has poor soil and only one crop can be harvested per year due to the weather.

Ban Sawang has a single elementary school and a preschool. Ban Sawang Preschool serves 40 children. The rainy season lasts for three months and almost daily there are torrential downpours. During these months, the preschool is flooded and creates an unhealthy situation for the children and teachers.

The area has a large amount of Dengue fever every rainy season. Standing water in the preschool creates an ideal breeding ground for the Dengue mosquito as well as harmful bacteria.

The school has two water-related issues that need attention. The first is a flooding problem that creates standing water. The preschool is built at the bottom of a slope. During the rainy season water runs into the school, and the water has no place to drain. The teachers also report that dangerous water snakes enter the school.

The second issue that needs resolution is a drain problem in the bathing room of the preschool. This is an area where the children bathe themself daily. It is currently unusable because the water will not drain. There is an existing drain but the soil foundation has shifted and the plumbing was crushed under the cement making it unusable.

The low point in the floor is now the doorway. This results in bathing water running onto the school floor. A makeshift drain has been made in the opposite corner of the room but it is higher than the doorway and does not prevent flooding of the school floor.

Project Description
This project will improve the sanitation of the school in four parts:

A truckload of compactable soil will be brought in to create a berm directing the runoff coming down the hill to a ditch on the side of the building.
The existing drain trench will be dug out and repaired. The side of the drain trench closest to the building will be raised by eight inches. This concrete trench will then empty into trenches to be dug at both sides of the school to allow the water runoff to drain freely from the front of the school.
A raised step will be created at the entry way to the preschool that will be sloped to create an additional barrier to prevent the water from entering the school. This step will be approximately two inches high.
The school is open faced and there is no economical way to prevent blowing rain from entering the school. To prevent standing water from accumulating in the southeast corner, a floor drain will be installed at the low point. The plumbing will be merged with the drain from a nearby existing sink.

Water Charity funds will pay for the materials.

The village chief has pledged his support of the project and will offer in-kind donations of labor.

Project Impact
40 children, 2 teachers, and a cook will directly benefit from this project.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Greg Patterson

Comments
The water related issues at the school are very significant, and will be resolved with minimal finances and a lot of labor. The result will be an area that is safe and hygienic.

In addition, the project will stimulate community interest in future development projects by many villagers working together to help the preschool resolve its current problems.

Peace Corps Volunteer previously completed the Ban Bua Yai Pre-School Water Filter Project – Thailand.

Dollar Amount of Project
$555.00

Donations Collected to Date
$555.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of the Elmo Foundation.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Peace Corps Volunteer Greg Patterson of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Greg and/or those of other PCVs in the country of service.

Ban Yaang Pond Remediation Project – Thailand

Location
Sub-district Ban Yaang, District: Sao Hai, Province: Saraburi, Thailand

Community Description
The sub-district Ban Yaang has approximately 2,500 community members residing in fourteen villages. This water treatment project will be carried out at a pond which is located within village number 10 but is also easily accessible by members of villages 8 and 9.

There are about 400 people living in villages 8, 9, and 10 combined. The pond is a source of aquaculture, mainly to raise fish for food, for many of the people in villages 9 and 10. In addition, the pond is used for washing clothes and swimming.

The pond is enclosed within a limited space without a stream or waterfall to ripple the surface, thus preventing aeration. Oxygen depletion has increased due to the buildup of waste and organic loads from the surrounding homes and chemical spills from the rice fields located nearby.

Project Description
This project is to remediate the pond in Ban Yaang to improve the quality of the water so that the pond can be safely used.

Under the direction of the village leaders, the pond water treatment committee, with the guidance of the Peace Corps volunteer, an “action plan” has been developed that combines methods of proper aeration/water circulation and water quality management to reduce the severity of the pollution in the water and the dissolved oxygen fish kills.

The water will be tested for oxygen levels, chemicals, and PH levels. A training session will be held with participating village members and the pond committee during which EM mud balls will be made. These are designed to help promote “sludge –eating microbial activity” .

The EM technology uses naturally occurring microorganisms to purify water which in turn will revive aquatic life. The training is an important aspect of water management because technology will have to be applied once every 6 months.

Subsequent plans have been developed for water aeration, to be implemented upon obtaining additional funding. A combination of continuous EM mud ball treatment and surface aeration, have been determined to be the most sustainable treatment protocol for this pond.

Plans for aeration include building a surface aeration machine, utilizing the help of engineers from the local technical college.

Alternatively, a paddle wheel aerator will be purchased. Paddlewheel aerators utilize air-to-water contact to transfer oxygen from the air in the atmosphere to the pond. They are most often used in the aquaculture field.

The funds provided by Appropriate Projects will mostly be used for all aspects of the training, including labor and materials, during which over 300 EM mud ball will be made. In addition the funds will be used for the purchase of equipment for testing water quality.

As part of the community participation, community members will be educated on the harmful effects of contaminating the pond with trash and hazardous waste, and steps to be taken to keep these pollutants from entering the water.

Project Impact
About 400 people will benefit from the project, consisting of about 120 people who live around the pond, plus the remainder who have access to and use the pond at various times.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Zerina Borhan

Comments
This project will restore the safe use of the pond for activities such as washing clothes, catching fish, and swimming.

Training the village members to make the EM balls will create a sustainable treatment process. A full solution will be accomplished upon the addition the contemplated aeration method.

Dollar Amount of Project
$555.00

Donations Collected to Date
$555.00

Dollar Amount Needed

$0.00 - This project has been fully funded, through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative, with the help of friends and family of Zerina.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Peace Corps Volunteer Zerina Borhan of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Zerina and/or those other PCVs in the country of service.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Ban Yaang Pond Remediation Project – Thailand

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Zerina Borhan. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

The project was to remediate the pond in Ban Yaang to make the water potable.

Zarina reports:

After the money was received from Water Charity we started the project by buying the appropriate materials, visiting the well-known agriculture expert in the nearby district, and spreading the word around about the training that would be held in village number 9.

On the day of the training 1, we had approximately 20 participants, and the agriculture expert also came to educate the village members on the benefits of EM Balls. He went step-by-step to introduce each substance that would be mixed to make the EM ball and how each component would contribute to the overall outcome. With the effort of 20 people, a total of 4,000 EM balls were made.

The EM balls had to be dried for about a week. Therefore, a week later, village leaders, the agriculture officer from my office, and I went to throw the EM balls into the pond.

It is important to note that the oxygen and the pH levels of the pond were measured pre-EM ball drop in order to be able to assess the effectiveness of this method. In order for the EM balls to take effect, we realized that the initial 3,000 EM balls were not enough. Therefore, we held another training a couple days after.

This training was as successful as the first one. Even more importantly, the village members were able to put together the materials, and mix and make the EM balls without the presence of the agriculture expert. Since one of the goals of this project was to train the village members on the method of making EM balls it was nice to see it take place as such.

This time we were only able to make 3,000 EM balls, which were dropped into the pond the following week after they had been left to dry.

To make sure the EM balls would come into full effect, we had to wait a couple days to measure the pond again. Eventually, post-EM ball measurement of the pond water showed that oxygen and pH levels had fluctuated to normal levels for healthy aquatic life for areas where the EM balls were dropped.

Although the result was positive, we do not know how long this will last without an appropriate aeration system. Therefore, as stated in our initial report, we came to the conclusion that for the pond water to remain at normal pH and oxygen levels for a prolonged period, there must be a combination of EM ball method and an aeration system that can be installed into the pond.

As a result, the agriculture officer at my office wrote a proposal to the province level department of environment to ask for further funding. At this point, we are waiting to hear from the province to see whether our project will be adopted for further funding or not.

We wish to thank Zerina for completing this project, and again extend our gratitude to Six Senses Resorts & Spas for providing the funding.

Banda Primary School Water Project - Rwanda

Location
Banda Village, Rangiro Sector, Nyamasheke District, Western Province, Rwanda

Community Description
Banda Village is located on the periphery of Nyungwe National Forest. The 6,000 villagers originally lived in the rain forest until the government forced them out upon the decision to protect the rain forest.

Banda Village is one of the most densely-populated villages in Rwanda, with 550 people per square kilometer. Villagers have a 1 ½ hour hike up the mountain and then another 1 ½ hour vehicle ride to the nearest town.

Until recently, many people had never even seen a car or left the village. The community is willing to help anytime they are asked and offer any money they have to help, although they are very poor.

The challenges they face include HIV/AIDS, endemic diseases, unemployment, lack of access to clean water, environmental degradation, and a legacy of genocide.

Banda Village has two primary schools. The Gasanane Primary School recently implemented the Gasanane Primary School Rainwater Catchment Project - Rwanda under the direction of Jarod Ring.

The second school, Banda Primary School, has approximately 1,600 students. They are currently expanding their facilities to hold additional children.

A water catchment system from the rain forest that filters and supplies water in 3 locations around the village was previously constructed by another organization. However, at present, this hardly serves even a quarter of the population. Many people, including the students attending the schools, are forced to draw water from the creeks.

Project Description
This project is to provide potable water for the Banda Primary School.

Pipes will be attached to the current water catchment system and run a distance of 680 meters to the school.

Members of the community will donate their labor to dig the holes and help the school to install the piping.

Project funds will be used to purchasing the piping. The school will pay all costs beyond the project amount, and will be responsible for attaching spigots and a small pump.

Project Impact
1,600 primary and secondary school students and 20 teachers will benefit from the project.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Sarah Ring

Comments
This project builds on the existing infrastructure and utilizes it to bring potable water to the school. It is extremely cost effective, serving a large and unserved population using the appropriate technology.

Dollar Amount of Project
$500.00

Donations Collected to Date
$500.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has been fully funded, through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Peace Corps Volunteer Sarah Ring of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Sarah and/or those other PCVs in the country of service.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Banda Primary School Water Project – Rwanda

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Sarah Ring. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

The project was to provide potable water for the Banda Primary School.

Sarah reports:

The primary school now has unlimited drinking water that NEVER shuts off for them since it comes from the rain forest’s water. It is for 1,600 students, and they are very happy!

The parents and community members all came together to dig the 680 meter trench to lay the piping. It took them a long time since we have very rock soil.

It was a wonderful experience for us to witness our village really putting effort in for something that wouldn’t benefit themselves but their children at school.

We are thankful Water Charity was available to make this happen and look forward to working with you in the future.

We, in turn, wish to thank Sarah for completing this project and Six Senses Resorts & Spas for providing the funding.

Bane Latrine Project - Senegal

Location
Bane, Kaolack, Senegal

Community Description
Bane is a small village located 20 kilometers west of Kaolack, Senegal near the bank of the Saloum River. The population is about one hundred fifty people during the dry season, but grows to three hundred in the rainy season for farming and harvest.

Bane's people make their living through subsistence farming and animal husbandry, relying on their annual harvest of millet, peanuts and corn for most of their food for the year. The village lacks electricity and running water, thus local women rely on numerous trips to nearby wells for cooking, laundry and bathing needs.

Bane also lacks latrines, forcing villagers to relieve themselves in the nearby forest, or more often, behind the fences of their compounds. This creates an environment with a high risk of giardia, amoebic dysentery, amoebic cysts, and cholera outbreaks

Project Description
This project is to build eighteen simple pit latrines in compounds throughout the village.

Each latrine will be constructed by digging a two-meter pit and placing reinforced cement platform on top of it. The platform can be lifted and moved to another pit once the first is filled, so families can continue using the same platform for ten or more years.

Project funding will be used to buy cement, iron, and PVC pipe for ventilation. Each family will provide all labor to construct its own latrine, as well as rocks to mix with the cement to build the platform.

Local masons will help oversee construction and give instruction to ensure the quality of the latrines, and proper latrine use (including hand-washing) will be taught upon completion of the project.

Project Impact
This project will benefit 300 people by giving them access to sanitation facilities.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Natalie Schmidt

Comments
This is a simple solution to a serious sanitation problem in the community. It is well planned and realistic in its goals and expectations. Education and sustainability are built in to ensure that there will be a long-lasting impact in the community.

Dollar Amount of Project
$500.00

Donations Collected to Date
$500.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has now been fully funded, through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Peace Corps Volunteer Natalie Schmidt of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Natalie and/or those of her counterpart PCVs in the Senegal.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Bane Latrine Project – Senegal

This project has been successfully completed, under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Natalie Schmidt. To see the history of this project CLICK HERE.

The project was designed to build eighteen simple pit latrines in compounds throughout the village. In actuality, 17 were built within the project budget, still a truly remarkable accomplishment.

Natalie reports:

They turned out beautifully, with individual touches added by each compound.

We bought all our supplies from the weekly market town, Passy, and individuals transported their cement, iron, etc., with horse carts from there.

After that everyone dug their pits and we set about making the cement covers. Once the covers were dried, we got groups of men together to lift and place them over the pits.

From there, individual compounds either surrounded their latrines with millet stalk fences or in some cases little huts for privacy.

Families were taught about the hand washing in and latrine maintenance.

Natalie further reported on the reactions of the community:

Everyone is so excited that they no longer have to go out to the forest, and they are so grateful for the help they received.

Thank you all so much for this opportunity to create a healthier place to live for so many people.

We are grateful to Six Senses Resorts & Spas for providing the funding for this successful project.

Bang Phai Nursery Water Project - Thailand

Location
Bang Phai, Phichit, Thailand

Community Description
Bang Phai is a small village of 1,900 people, located in the southern part of Northern Thailand. It is about 5 hours north of Bangkok, Thailand.

The community has running water. However, it is the local river water that is piped into the water stations and then throughout the village for local use. The river is polluted and contains raw sewage. The water in the water stations contains leaves, dirt, and usually leeches, and is not sanitary for consumption.

Cracks and breaks in the pipe system result in contaminated water reaching homes and schools.

All drinking water either has to be boiled or bottle water has to be purchased, which can get expensive.

The Bang Phai Nursery School has undertaken this project to assist them in alleviating this intolerable and unsanitary condition and to reduce their water acquisition costs so that the savings can be used for food and improving the education system.

Project Description
The project will include the installation of a filter system and new water lines, making sanitary drinking water more accessible for the children.

The filter system will include 3 filters. The filters will be purchased in Phichit, the Ampur or Capital of the area, about 30 km away.

Most of the piping will be within the building. Approximately 30 feet of pipe will be needed to replace broken piping and connect to the pipes already supplying the building.

Most of the manual work will be donated by local workers and parents in the community.

Local people will be hired from the community or the adjacent community for the more technical parts of the project.

Project Impact
40 children and a staff of 4 people will benefit from this project.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Sue Akins

Comments
The project will provide a continuous safe water supply, and result in the elimination of the need to purchase bottled water.

Dollar Amount of Project
$500.00

Donations Collected to Date
$500.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative, with the help of friends and family of Peace Corps Volunteer Sue Akins.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Sue of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Sue and/or those of other PCVs in her country of service.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Bang Phai Nursery Water Project – Thailand

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Sue Akins. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

This project was to install a filter system and new water lines at the nursery.

Sue reports:

A local engineer purchased the filter in Phitsanalok, about 2 hours away from Bang Phai. Three days later 6 people took a day away from their farming and showed up at the nursery to install the new filter.

They had to remove about 8 ft of old cracked pipe. They then drilled some holes in the wall to run the new pipe and attach the new filter.

All the labor, time and gas needed for driving around to make this happen was donated by the community of Bang Phai. The entire installation only took about 6 hours.

About 4 ft of new pipe and fittings and some brackets were all that needed to be purchased. The installation occurred during the school break but the next day we had parents and kids of all ages show up to have a drink of clean cool water right from the faucet.

Sue further reports on how the project was received:

The community could not have been more excited or thankful. They love America and are some of the most grateful people that I have ever met.

I love what I am doing and wish I could do more for my community. The people of Thailand are some of the most giving, sincere and hard working people you would ever want to meet. They take nothing for granted and appreciate the mere fact someone would come to their community to help them.

We again wish to thank Six Senses Resorts & Spas for providing the funds for this project.

Bang Phai Primary School Food Preparation and Washing Station Project - Thailand

Bang Phai Primary School Food Preparation and Washing Station - Thailand

Location
Bang Phai, Bang Mul Nak, Phichit, Thailand

Community Description
Bang Phai is a small village of 1,900 people, located in the southern part of Northern Thailand, about 5 hours north of Bangkok.

The community is comprised mostly of rice field farmers and retired individuals who rely on their children to supplement their incomes. Most families are helping to raise their grandchildren, while their parents go to Bangkok or another larger city to work and send money home.

The school is only able to feed half of the children a free lunch. The kitchen workers cook and clean dishes in an outdoor facility. Water for cooking and cleaning has to be carried and placed in large pans or buckets which are placed on old desks or on the ground.

Project Description
This project is to build a food preparation area and washing station for the Bang Phai Primary School.

A water line will be run about 20 feet to the sanitary area to be available for cooking and washing dishes.

The new structure will be about 6 feet wide and contain 3 stainless steel sinks and an area for food preparation.

All labor will be provided by school parents and members of the community.

Project funds will be used for purchasing the sinks and materials, including pipe and fittings.

Project Impact
146 people will benefit from the project, including 135 students, 8 teachers, and 3 kitchen staffers.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Sue Akins

Comments
This is an important project to enable the school to provide for the nutritional needs of the students. Food preparation and clean-up will be much more sanitary, thereby leading to improved student health.

Dollar Amount of Project
$500.00

Donations Collected to Date
$500.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Sue of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by the PCV and/or other projects in the country of service.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Bang Phai Primary School Food Preparation and Washing Station – Thailand

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Sue Akins. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

The project was to build a food preparation area and washing station for the Bang Phai Primary School.

Sue reports:

This is the conclusion of the Bang Phai Primary School Food Preparation and Washing Station - Thailand. I cannot tell you how much this was needed and how appreciative the people of the Bang Phai School are. The cooks now have running water for sanitary food preparation and the children no longer have to carry buckets of water and stand in the mud to wash their dishes.

The project was successful due to the commitment of all members of the community. A meeting was held with the cooks and teachers to determine the appropriate location and design of the new Food Preparation and Washing Station. Once the location and design were finalized the start of the project was discussed and scheduled with the local Tessaban.

The manual work was donated by workers from the Tessaban. It took about five weeks to complete because a new water line had to be installed. This required digging a trench about 40 yards. Once the ditch for the water line was dug, workers began building the forms for the foundation of the station.

Once the foundation was poured and dried, the workers were able to start building the stations. Faucets were then installed and the tile work was begun. Once the tile work was finished and the entire project was given ample time to dry, a celebration was scheduled to coincide with the opening of the next school term.

The work you are doing is greatly admired by all those that I have the opportunity to share with.

We extend our thanks to Sue for completing this project, her third in partnership with Water Charity.

We again wish to thank Six Senses Resorts & Spas for providing the funding for this project.

Bang Phai Primary School Water Station Project – Thailand

Location
Bang Phai, Bang Mul Nak, Phichit, Thailand

Community Description
Bang Phai is a small village of 1,900 people, located in the southern part of Northern Thailand. It is about 5 hours north of Bangkok.

The water in the water stations contains leaves and dirt, and is not sanitary for consumption. Cracks and breaks in the pipe system result in contaminated water reaching homes and schools.

Due to the bad water problems children drink mostly soda pop and fruit drinks with a lot of sugar. Dental problems are a huge issue.

The Thai Government has addressed dental problems by initiating a program to have the children brush their teeth after lunch, but without good drinking water this program tends to be overlooked.

The existing drinking station at the Bang Phai Primary School has broken pipes, and most of the faucets do not work. Thus few if any children brush their teeth after lunch, and most do not drink the water.

Project Description
This project is to build a new and accessible drinking water station at the school.

The drinking water station will be constructed of concrete and tile. There will be six stations at two different heights to accommodate the younger and older students, 3 for the taller students and 3 for the shorter students.

The station will be about 12 ft wide and 2 to 2 1/2 feet deep, with an extended platform for the students to stand on so they won't have to stand in the dirt.

The water supply will come from the school’s water source. About 20 feet of pipe will need to be replaced.

Project funds will be used to purchase the materials, including concrete, tile, plastic pipe, fittings, and faucets. Most materials will be acquired from Bang Mul Nak which is about 12 km away.

Work will be donated by parents, teachers, students and local Tessaban.

Project Impact
About 135 students will benefit from this installation.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Sue Akins

Comments
The installation of the new drinking water station will promote the consumption of safe water and good hygiene, and will allow compliance with the government dental health program.

Peace Corps Volunteer Sue Akins previously completed the Bang Phai Nursery Water Project - Thailand.

Dollar Amount of Project
$500.00

Donations Collected to Date
$500.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has been fully funded through the generosity of James Berg, of Scottsdale, AZ, USA, with the following dedication:

This donation is made in the name of the David Guy Family: David, Leslie, Hannah, Sam, Chris and Julia.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Sue of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Sue and/or those of other PCVs in Thailand.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Bang Phai Primary School Water Station Project – Thailand

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Sue Akins. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

The project was to build a new drinking water station at the Bang Phai Primary School.

Sue reports:

This project resulted in the construction of a new and accessible drinking water station at the school. Workers from the school and family members of the students donated their time and tools for all the labor required.

The new drinking water station accommodates the different heights of the children and has six stations. It provides clean water and a sanitary location for the students to brush their teeth after eating. This facility provides an opportunity to practice good oral hygiene at a time when good habits can become a way of life.

The station is about 8 feet wide and 2 to 2 1/2 feet deep, and is made of concrete and tile. An extended platform was built for the students to stand on so they won't have to stand in the dirt.

Once the old drinking water station was removed, the foundation for the new station was poured and the construction of the new station began. The water supply is from the school's water source. About 20 feet of pipe was replaced.

The project funds were used to purchase the materials, including concrete, tile, plastic pipe, fittings, and faucets. Most materials were acquired from Bang Mul Nak which is about 12 km away.

Once the project was completed there was a big party thrown to say thanks and show their gratitude for the generosity of the donors. The children of Thailand have a great respect for any and all gifts given. They take great pride in caring for the few things that they have and I feel confident that this drinking water station will be cared for and remain functional for many years to come.

With the efforts of the Thai Government to improve dental hygiene, the children of Bang Phai, Thailand will have a chance at better health and perhaps a longer life as a result. This project will directly affect about 135 students, and indirectly it has affected the entire community of Bang Phai.

Thanks to everyone who had a hand in making this all possible.

We in turn wish to thank Sue for completing this project, and again extend our thanks to James Berg who provided funding for the project in the name of the David Guy Family.

Bangu Village Well Improvement Project - Malawi

Location
Bangu Village, Mimosa, Mulanje District, Southern Region, Malawi

Community Description
Bangu Village is a small but highly populated community in the district of Mulanje, just east of Mt. Mulanje. There are about 3,000 people in the village and the surrounding area.

Community members have been forced to walk up to 2 kilometers to obtain safe drinking water. The Bangu Village Water Committee, a branch of the Bangu Village Development Committee, embarked on a program to hand-dig wells within the village.

A previous Peace Corps Volunteer in the area helped the community cement six hand dug wells and began work on four others before receiving a site transfer. These four wells have been partially cemented but are lacking appropriate runoff areas that will protect the water source, decrease mosquito prevalence and help the wells retain water.

Project Description
This project is to improve four wells in Bangu Village.

Work will be done by masons to protect the wells from the entry of contaminants, prevent the accumulation of mud and standing water, and increase general water source sanitation. Cement will be used to patch some small leaks around the bottom of some of the wells and to build more complete cement platforms around the well bases.

Funds from Appropriate Projects will be used to purchase cement, transport it to the site, and pay a mason for some labor.

The community has already dug the wells and will be involved in collecting quarry stone, river sand and other materials needed to make concrete. They will also be planting plants, such as lemongrass, around these water sources to help prevent erosion and reduce mosquitos.

Project Impact
Over 3,000 villagers will benefit from these improved water sources.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Oliver Cole

Comments
This project improves existing infrastructure to make it sound. The result is a water system in the community, consisting of individual wells, that is consistent and secure.

Dollar Amount of Project
$330.00

Donations Collected to Date
$330.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has been fully funded, through the generosity of Marcia Wijngaarden, of Den Haag, Netherlands.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Peace Corps Volunteer Oliver Cole of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Oliver and/or those other PCVs in the country of service.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Bangu Village Well Improvement Project – Malawi

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Oliver Cole. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

The project was to improve four wells in Bangu Village.

Oliver reports:

I am happy to report that the Bangu Village Well Improvement project is completed. Thanks to the Tea Research Foundation of Central Africa, who provided free transportation for materials, the project was completed under budget.

We were also able to more than double the impact of the project repairing nine wells in Bangu and Duswa villages rather than just the proposed four.

Funds from Appropriate Projects were used to purchase materials and pay for the building contractor.

The Bangu Village Development Committee managed the entire project and work was carried out to replace outlet pipes, repair cracks and holes to help the wells retain water, and cement sanitation platforms to reduce standing water and mosquito breeding areas.

The Health Surveillance Assistant for Bangu village, Jane Evale, inspected the wells upon completion and said that she saw the Village Development Committee used a good design in their repairs. Andrew Mario, the project manager for the VDC, said that villagers were proud of the development in their area.

We extend our thanks to Oliver for completing this great project and to Marcia Wijngaarden for providing the funding.

Bangu Well Project – Malawi

Location
Bangu Village, Mimosa, Mulanje District, Southern Region, Malawi

Community Description
Bangu Village is a small but highly populated community in the district of Mulanje, just East of Mt. Mulanje. There are about 3,000 people in the village and the surrounding area.

Community members have been forced to walk up to 2 kilometers to obtain safe drinking water. The Bangu Village Water Committee, a branch of the Bangu Village Development Committee, embarked on a program to hand-dig wells within the village.

Two wells have already been dug by volunteers from the water committee. However, the wells are subject to collapse and to contamination because, due to the lack of funding, they have not been cemented.

Project Description
This project is to cement-line the two existing wells, and to dig three additional wells.

Project funds will be used to buy the cement and other incidental materials, supplies, and tools.

Three shovels will be purchased for the digging. This will assist the workers to dig deeper than they would be able to dig with just the hoes they have on hand.

After the cementing of the wells, the local health center will continuously provide chlorine for use by the water committee for the treatment of the water.

Project Impact
About 3,000 people will use these wells daily as their sole source of water.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Amy Cross

Comments
We try to avoid superlatives, but this project accomplishes more with limited assistance than any project we have seen to date. It gets down to the very basics: Dig a well by hand to provide water for the people. When you have the money, protect it by lining it with cement.

Dollar Amount of Project
$452.33

Donations Collected to Date
$452.33 + additional amounts for future projects

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of friends and family of Peace Corps Volunteer Amy Cross.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Amy of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Amy and/or those of other PCVs in Malawi.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Bangu Well Project – Malawi

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Amy Cross. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

The project was to build and improve wells in the community.

Amy reports:

I completed the project shortly before being transferred to a new site. Four wells were improved.

The volunteer who replaced me, Oliver Cole, continues the work in the area with the Bangu Village Well Improvement Project – Malawi.

The shallow wells that we have been digging and cementing within Bango Village have been crucial to life as of late. With the water piping system in its last leg of degradation, no boreholes to be found, and rivers dried up during the dry season, these shallow wells have been the area's only adequate water resource within the area.

People in the village and surrounding areas are constantly thankful and are now mobilizing themselves to continue the expansion of the project to surrounding areas.

We extend our thanks to Amy for completing this project, and to her friends and family for providing the funding.

Bantanding-Tukulor Pump #1 Project - The Gambia

Location
Bantanding-Tukulor, North Bank Region, The Gambia

Community Description
The village of Bantanding-Tukulor is located in the North Bank near the border with Senegal. It is a farming village with 35 compounds, housing about 200 people.

The people of the village grow coos, groundnut, and corn. They also plant cashews and mangoes. They have recently joined a tree planting project in the Jokadu area and have two nurseries for live fence and other species.

The village has two hand pumps but both are in disrepair and need parts and repairs in order to be operable and safe. Pump #1 has an intact cement wall around it. It is not being used at all at this time.

The moving parts in the pump itself are worn and need replacing. Additionally other bolts, couplings, bearings and the handle chain are in need of replacement. The concrete wall only needs reinforcement where there are cracks.

Project Description
This project is to repair the first of the hand pumps, Pump #1.

The work will be done by Ibu Sinyan, the local well mechanic.

Project Impact
This project will benefit the 200 people in the village who rely on this pump for water.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Suzanne Brewer

Comments
This is a critical project that must be remedied at once for the community to have water for their daily needs. The simple repairs represent a very cost-effective solution.

Dollar Amount of Project
$240.00

Donations Collected to Date
$240.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative, with the help of friends and family of Peace Corps Volunteer Suzanne Brewer.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Suzanne of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by the PCV and/or other projects in the country of service.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Bantanding-Tukulor Pump #1 Project - The Gambia

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Suzanne Brewer . To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

This project was to repair the first of the hand pumps, Pump #1, in Bantanding-Tukulor.

Suzanne reports:

This project was a simple repair and the work was completed early in the day on September 6, 2010. Many of the men were not in the fields that day.

While some helped the mechanic with his work, others were clearing the grass and weeds out from around the well area. They have not been able to use this pump for a couple of years and so the vegetation was thick.

Having this pump working will ease the load at the other well. And it is good to have two sources of drinking water in a village in case one fails. In the case of this village, both pumps failed at nearly the same time.

The villagers are grateful to have this pump repaired. That day, and nearly every time I visit the village, someone will thank me for helping to find the funds to repair it.

We again wish to thank Six Senses Resorts & Spas for providing the funds for this project.

Bantanding-Tukulor Pump Project #2 - The Gambia

Location
Bantanding-Tukulor, North Bank Region, The Gambia

Community Description
The village of Bantanding-Tukulor is located in the North Bank near the border with Senegal. It is a farming village with 35 compounds housing about 200 people.

The people of the village grow coos, groundnut, and corn. They also plant cashews and mangoes. They have recently joined a tree planting project in the Jokadu area and have two nurseries for live fence and other species.

The village had two hand pumps, but both are in disrepair. The first is being repaired under the Bantanding-Tukulor Pump #1 Project - The Gambia, undertaken previously.

Regarding Pump #2, the cement cover has been removed, and the pump has been completely dismantled so that the village can draw water by hand.

Project Description
This project is to restore Pump #2 to full operation by making the necessary repairs, and to replace the cement wall around the pump.

Project Impact
This project will benefit the 200 people in the village who rely on this pump.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Suzanne Brewer

Comments
This repair and improvement of the second pump in the village restores reasonable water access to the community. It saves the villagers from having to go to the next town to retrieve water for daily use.

Dollar Amount of Project
$500.00

Donations Collected to Date
$500.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has now been fully funded, through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Peace Corps Volunteer Suzanne Brewer of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Suzanne and/or those of her counterpart PCVs in The Gambia.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Bantanding-Tukulor Pump Project #2 - The Gambia

Conclusion of Bantanding-Tukulor Pump #2 Project - The Gambia

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Suzanne Brewer. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

This project was to repair the second of the hand pumps, Pump #2, in Bantanding-Tukulor and to replace the cement wall around the pump.

Suzanne reports:

At first, we were concerned that there would not be time to complete the reinstallation of this pump before the day was through. After prayers in the afternoon, the additional blocks that had been put up for safety reasons around the well came down easily, and the work progressed from there.

Again, the men were readily available to help. This is typical of the work I have seen in this village. No matter what the task, large and small, there are people willing to help.

At the end of the day, the alkali, representatives of the women's group, and other members of the community formally and informally thanked myself and the mechanic for the working pump.

No longer will the women and girls have to use a rope and pulley to bring up water from 30 meters. They are grateful to all who have made this possible.

We again wish to thank Six Senses Resorts & Spas for providing the funding for this project.

Baolala Hygiene Project – Kenya

Location
Baolala, Kenya

Community Description
The community of Baolala, located 2.5 hours west of Malindi, is primarily composed of a Kenyan tribe called the Giriama people. The Giriama are beautiful and friendly welcoming people who live with common occupations as farmers and cattle livestock raisers. They have their own language apart from Swahili, but typically follow the same culture as most Kenyans. They are known for their love of dancing, eating roasted rats as an ethnic food, and their friendliness.

Baolala is a very rural area with many small shrubs, flat land, all dirt roads, with hot arid weather. Most if not all the houses and buildings are made from mud and sometimes plaster. Although the area is developing, there is currently no electricity, no open market for clothes or food, and no running water to most individual structures.

The community faces several challenges, including lack of transportation, insufficient housing, shortage of public health facilities, limited communication, unavailability of consumer products, difficult access to water, high level of malarial infection, and shortage of produce and food.

Baolala has determined that access to water in order to maintain proper hygiene is of top priority. With diarrhea being one of the most common and easily-prevented diseases in the community, sanitation and hygiene is an absolutely vital health issue to take on immediately.

The Baolala Health Dispensary alone counted 13% of the entire community coming into the dispensary for diarrhea treatment per year and this does not include those who don't report their sickness.

The Baolala Health Dispensary also treats minor injuries and performs circumcisions. The nurses that perform these duties need access to water to ensure sanitation for hand washing before and after these operations.

Project Description
This project is to construct 7 handwashing stations, to be located at the most critical places in the community. Each station will be include a 20 liter water tank, and maintain a supply of soap.

There will be a handwashing station placed in the health dispensary, staff quarter housing, 2 public pit latrines/restrooms, and 3 food serving areas. These areas have been chosen because of the high traffic of people and also the high risk of having contamination enter the body orally.

The name of this project to prevent diarrhea and promote sanitation is called “Safi Kabisa” (meaning “completely clean” in Swahili).

Project Impact
3,384 people will benefit consistently from this project. This consists of the people coming to the Baolala Health Dispensary, those using the public pit latrines/restrooms, people living in staff housing, and patrons of the public food serving areas.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Nicholas Shen

Comments
This project is a prime example of using appropriate technology to impact on a critical health need. Extremely effective in its simplicity, there would be no alternative way to have such a great impact on the needs of the community for adequate hygiene.

Dollar Amount of Project
$350.00

Donations Collected to Date
$350.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of Hack & Slash, who have designated Water Charity as beneficiaries of this year’s Hack and Slash Christmas Special in Color held in Baltimore, MD.

The project is dedicated in honor of Amy Lewin Coots.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify the PCV of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund future projects in the country of service.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Baolala Hygiene Project – Kenya

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Nicholas Shen. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

This project was to construct 7 handwashing stations at the most critical places in the community of Baolala.

Nicholas reports:

The Baolala Hygiene Project was started in October, 2010, in collaboration with the Water Charity organization's Appropriate Projects sector, due to the massive influx of patients visiting the Health Dispensary for cases of diarrhea. The Baolala Health Dispensary alone counted 13% of the entire community coming into the dispensary for diarrhea treatment per year, and this does not include those who didn't report their sickness.

This project consisted of 7 hand washing stations to be constructed and located at the most critical places in the community. Each station included a 20 liter water tank with tap, a laminated sign with a description of why hand washing is important in Swahili, and a supply of soap. Stations were placed in the health dispensary, staff quarter housing, 2 public pit latrines/restrooms, and 3 food serving areas. These areas have been chosen because of the high traffic of people and also the high risk of ingesting contamination.

Nicholas further reports on how the project was received by the community:

After this project was completed, community members personally came to me and conversed on how much they appreciated the project. The mamas at the food serving location were especially grateful and many other members of the community soon after began to ask if they could have one made for their personal house (perhaps that could be a continuation to this the project).

An estimated 3,384 people will benefit consistently from this project. This consists of the people coming to the Baolala Health Dispensary, those using the public pit latrines/restrooms, people living in staff housing, and patrons of the public food serving areas.

The idea that a little goes a long way didn't really occur to me until this project was implemented. With only $350 an entire community of people have had their lives changed in a simple, but great way. Something as simple as setting up stations for people to wash their hands is a great example of how basic needs in rural communities can be met by basic project implementation.

Nicholas expresses his gratitude for the support of Hack & Slash, and their featuring of his project at their recent event:

I want to thank Spencer and John for funding this project and bringing it home to America. I would also like to thank Amy Lewin Coots for organizing this message and the cast and audience for listening and perhaps taking something positive out of this message. Whether it be engaging in volunteer domestic or international, involving yourselves in the Water Charity organization, or just appreciating everything and everyone in your lives this holiday, I want to say thank you again for your time and happy holidays.

Baricho Dispensary Water Supply Project – Kenya

Location
Baricho village, Baricho Sub-location, Bungale Location, Marafa Division, Magarini District, Coast Province, Kenya

Community Description
Baricho is a farming community located in the semi-arid coastal region of Kenya and has a population of approximately 4,868 people.

Baricho Dispensary is a community-supported health care center started in 1939 in response to an outbreak of disease following a period of major flooding.

Currently, the dispensary relies on a combination of rain water stored next to the main clinic and water purchased from a water kiosk approximately 50 meters from the compound for hand washing and other clinical water needs. However, frequent drought has led to an insufficient rain water supply while the distance from the dispensary to the water kiosk makes the procurement of water for clinical needs cumbersome. Furthermore, closure of the water kiosk from 6 pm to 6 am makes water access especially difficult at night.

The current lack of a reliable water supply makes frequent hand washing by the dispensary staff difficult, increasing the risk of infection and spread of disease. Currently, diseases that could be prevented by hand washing are the leading cause of mortality among children under 5 years accounting for 47% of clinic visits by children under 5 and 35.9% of visits to the dispensary by patients of all ages.

Project Description
This project is to establish a clean and reliable water supply to the dispensary for health care needs.

A trench will be dug from the dispensary to an inter-village water pipeline approximately 30 meters from the dispensary. Pipes will then be laid in the trench and joined to the pipeline routing water to one outside tap which can be used to fill the dispensary water tank for a reserve water supply.

Additional pipes will be routed to 2 wash basins within the general clinic for handwashing, instrument cleaning, and other procedures. Further pipes will be routed to a wash basin within the maternity ward to allow access to water during deliveries.

Under the direction of Baricho Dispensary Committee, project funds will be used to purchase supply and waste pipe and fittings, valves, cement, sand, and additional materials.

Unskilled labor will be provided by members of the community while a plumber will be hired to perform necessary skilled labor.

Project Impact
This project will benefit the entire dispensary catchment population of approximately 4,868 people.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Lorenzo Nava

Comments
This high-impact project will provide a reliable source of water to the dispensary for all health care needs, reduce the spread of handwashing preventable diseases, improve child and maternal postnatal outcomes, and raise awareness of the importance of sanitary conditions during childbirth.

Dollar Amount of Project
$500.00

Donations Collected to Date
$500.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Lorenzo of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by the PCV and/or other projects in the country of service.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Baricho Dispensary Water Supply Project – Kenya

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Lorenzo Nava. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

The project was to establish a clean and reliable water supply to the dispensary.

Lorenzo reports:

Work on the Baricho Water Supply project started in January. Materials were purchased and transported to the Baricho Dispensary where members from the community volunteered their time to help dig trenches on the dispensary grounds in which to lay the plumbing for the project.

In the following days a total of two new wash basins were installed, one in the maternity ward and one in the procedure area of the dispensary, a previously installed but non-functional basin in the main clinic was repaired, and an outside tap was placed in front of the dispensary.

Work was completed in ten days, and at approximately 5 pm on January 25, 2011 running water flowed into the Baricho Dispensary for the first time. All new installations have been found to be in perfect working order.

Lorenzo provides comments from the community:

"I'm very thankful and I'm very happy with the project. This is a big change for our dispensary to have running water. It will help us very much."

"Running water is very important in a hospital; I'm very thankful."

"This is something that will help the entire community."

"In 70 years this dispensary has never had running water. This will really help mothers who give birth at the dispensary."

Thank you again for your support of this project and for your help in addressing a major challenge to the health and wellbeing of the overall community.

We again wish to thank Six Senses Resorts & Spas for providing the funding for this project.

Barinkovka Secondary School Water Storage and Filtration Project - Ukraine

Barinkovka Secondary School Water Storage and Filtration Project - Ukaraine

Location
Barinkovka, Lugansk, Ukraine

Community Description
Barinkovka is a small village in the Lugansk Oblast. The town is isolated from the rest of the oblast, with one road going into and out of the town.

During the 1980s the town had a population of 10,000, but with the closing of the factories the town currently has a population of only 2,500.

The town lacks a clean and reliable water source. However, economic hardships have hindered its ability to address the water problem.

The Barinkovka Secondary School is the only school in town. The school only has access to water for 2-4 hours every other day.

Due to chemicals in its own supply, and geographical factors, the town has to import the water from the neighboring town. This is done through Soviet-era pipelines. The water is then stored in Soviet-era metal containers. As a result, the water used for drinking and cooking is contaminated and a health hazard.

Project Description
This project is to install a water storage tank, water filtration system, and drinking fountain at the school.

The tank is made of durable and non-corrosive plastic, and will hold up to 400 liters of water. This is an amount sufficient for the daily needs of the school.

The container will be set upon four metal beams and hooked up to the existing pipeline. Eight meters of new piping will be used to connect the container to the central water supply.

A water filtration system will be purchased and installed to ensure that the students have clean water for drinking and cooking. The filter is an 8 MK model, capable of filtering the contaminated water.

A drinking fountain will be installed for the use of the children. A pump to bring water to the fountain will be installed as well.

The pump will be operated electronically. When water is not flowing to the town, the 500 VAT pump will be used to transport the water from the tank to the drinking fountain. To help eliminate the waste of water, a valve will be used to turn the water on and off.

Project funds will be used to purchase the materials, including the tank, valve, piping, pump, drinking fountain, and filter.

Equipment will be purchased in the neighboring city. The installation will be done a licensed plumber who works in the neighboring town of Krasnorechenske. He will be paid by the school, and will be available for repairs should they become necessary.

The water filtration system will be located in the room next to the kitchen. This will allow the lunch lady to monitor and service the water system.

Project Impact
400 people will benefit from the project.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Kyle Borley

Comments
The water tank will be used to store the water and ensure a consistent and clean supply of water. The container will eliminate the school’s problem of relying on a water source that is increasingly erratic.

The school chose the appropriate technology to meet its needs. In the absence of the funds and capability to drill a well or replace the piping to the next town, this option is the right solution to meet the requirements of the school.

Dollar Amount of Project
$500.00

Donations Collected to Date
$500.00

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Kyle of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by the PCV and/or other projects in the country of service.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Barinkovka Secondary School Water Storage and Filtration Project - Ukraine

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Kyle Borley. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

The project was to install a 400-liter water storage tank, water filtration system, pump, and drinking fountain at the school.

Kyle reports:

The project for the Barinkovka Secondary School (Ukraine) has been completed. Once the school received the money, they contacted the local plumber/construction worker. He then went to the next city and bought the needed supplies, and proceeded to install the system.

With the new filtration system and water storage container the school has been able to prepare fresh meals and provide the students with drinkable water. There has been a great deal of excitement over the filtration system. The school is determined to maintain the system and to ensure that it lasts a long time.

We wish to thank Kyle for completing the project, and again extend our thanks to Six Senses Resorts & Spas for providing the funding.

Barkedji Kindergarten Water Project - Senegal

Location
Barkedji, Linguere Department, Louga Region, Senegal

Community Description
Barkedji is a vibrant community 35 kilometers southeast of the departmental capital, Linguere, in the Louga Region. It is nestled in the semi-arid region of the Sahel in the center of Senegal, and consists of approximately 250 family compounds.

Due to a highly transient community of herders the population estimates range from 2,000 to 4,000 people. The people of Barkedji depend on subsistence farming and small scale animal husbandry to survive.

The Barkedji Kindergarten opened in 2003 after a demand was submitted to the local governance. The school's 100 students, whose numbers are constantly increasing, are divided into three levels, ages 3-4, ages 4-5, and ages 5-6.

Headmistress, Aminata Sow, along with her three other teachers, use their minimal supplies and a lot of creativity to give lessons in French, Arabic, arts and crafts, singing and physical education.

The school currently has limited access to water, the nearest water tap being 70 meters away. Every day a large bucket is filled, carried to the school and placed in front of the building. The students dip a pot into the bucket to draw both drinking water and water for the bathroom.

Additionally, the school yard is littered with garbage and animal feces. Every year the school constructs a temporary stick fence, but it fails to keep out the blowing garbage and wandering herds of cows, sheep, and donkeys.

Project Description
This project is to construct a water tap at the school and construct a fence around the school.

A trench will be dug from the main pipeline to the school grounds in which to run PVC piping, and a metal water faucet will be installed above ground.

Using the model from a previous project, parents have volunteered to dig the trench to save on costs, paying skilled labor a reduced amount for the actual faucet installation.

The project will also result in the construction of a chain link fence enclosing the school ground. The fence will cover the 160-meter perimeter of the school, standing 1.5 meters high, with a metal post based in cement every four meters.

Volunteers will dig the posts and fasten the chain link. The local metal worker will then install a secure gate.

The parents association will provide volunteers for the project and pay the skilled labor. Project funds will purchase plastic tubing for the water tap, PVC glue, metal water faucet, cement, metal bars, chain link fencing and gas for transportation of the materials.

Subsequently, the local Environmental Agent has agreed to help construct a tree nursery within the protected school grounds. Realizing that the average life of a chain link fence is 5 years, the school will plant trees near the fence, eventually creating a permanent live fence of trees!

Project Impact
The 100 kindergarten students and teachers will directly benefit from this project.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Ann Marie Albright

Comments
A water tap on the school grounds will provide water for drinking and for sanitary needs. The fence will create a healthy environment free from contamination from garbage and excrement.

The project has a large local contribution and has widespread support.

Ann Marie previously successfully completed the Barkedji Sud Primary School Water and Sanitation Project - Senegal.

Dollar Amount of Project
$555.00

Donations Collected to Date
$555.00

Dollar Amount Needed

$0.00 - This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative, with the help of friends and family of Peace Corps Volunteer Ann Marie Allbright.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Ann Marie of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Ann Marie and/or those other PCVs in the country of service.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Barkedji Kindergarten Water Project – Senegal

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Ann Marie Albright. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

The project was to construct a water tap at the school and construct a fence around the school.

Ann Marie reports:

On behalf of the entire Barkedji community, thank you to all who helped make our Kindergarten project a reality. I am proud to report that we successfully constructed a 160-meter chain link fence and water spout at our Kindergarten. The addition of water at the school allows students and teachers to freely drink safe water and wash their hands after going to the bathroom. The fence protects the school grounds from blowing debris and passing livestock.

The four teachers are especially grateful for the assistance, saying that their school is too often overlooked. Headmistress Aminata Sow is confident that by making visible improvements and investments in the kindergarten, like this Appropriate Project, we are stressing to the community the importance of early education. She says, “Teaching the importance of early education is a lesson without a price.”

Appropriate Projects funds allowed for the purchase of all necessary materials for the water spout and the fence. The materials included plastic PVC tubing, metal water tap, cement, metal posts and chain link fencing. It also paid to transport the materials to the village. The community then donated all the labor, digging a trench for the pipe and holes for the posts, fastening the fencing and bringing sand and water to the site.

Though the project has been completed, our work has just begun. The school is currently working with the local natural resource agent to plant trees along the fence. This will reinforce the fence, beautify the school environment, and create opportunities for hands-on science lessons. Of course, the trees will require regular watering, which is now possible because of the new water spout!

Thank you to all those who contributed! Your generosity will be remembered for years to come.

We wish to thank Ann Marie for completing this project, and again extend our gratitude to Six Senses Resorts & Spas, together with friends and family of Ann Marie, for providing the funding.

Barkedji Sud Primary School Water Tap and Basin Project - Senegal

Location
Barkedji, Linguere Department, Louga Region, Senegal

Community Description
The vibrant community of Barkedji is 35 kilometers southeast of the departmental capital, Linguere, nestled in the semi-arid region of the Sahel. The community is home to approximately 250 family compounds. The population, consisting largely of subsistence farmers and animal herders, fluctuates between 2,000 and 4,000 people.

The project will be working with a primary school located in the poorer outskirts of the village, Barkedji Sud. This intervention is phase two of the Primary School Water and Sanitation Project – Senegal previously completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Ann Marie Albright. (She also finished the Barkedji Kindergarten Water Project - Senegal .)

In the prior primary school project, water was brought to the school and bathroom facilities were constructed for the growing school population, this year numbering 163 students.

The dynamic school director, Daye Sow, aims to integrate the community and school. Mr. Sow states that “the community needs to believe in education and needs to play an active role in supporting their children’s education”.

Project Description
This project is to construct a water tap near the newly constructed bathroom facilities and basin at the site of a new community garden.

A trench will be dug and 30 meters of plastic PVC piping will be laid. Then a water tap will be constructed and a small half-meter square cement basin will be built to serve as a permanent sink for bathroom needs and hand washing.

The community has agreed once again to dig the trench to save on costs, and to bring the necessary sand for the construction.

Appropriate Projects funds will purchase the cement for the sink, PVC piping, glue and water tap. They will also pay the fee to transport the materials and pay all skilled labor.

Toward the end of integrating the school and community, a community garden will be created on school grounds. The school will provide the water, thanks to the previous Appropriate Projects project, and the parents of the students will provide tools and manage the garden. All proceeds will be split between parents and the school.

For the second part of this project, a square two-meter water basin, one-meter deep, will be built for water storage. The basin is essential for a successful garden in this semi-arid region, with the threat of water shortages.

Project funds will pay for the cement and for the skilled labor for building the basin.

The community will raise funds to construct a stick fence around the plot and purchase a hose and all other necessary tools to begin the community garden.

Project Impact
The 163 students of Barkedji Sud along with the 75 active members of the Parents Association will directly benefit from this project. The secondary health benefits of adding more vegetables to the village market will spread throughout the greater Barkedji community.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Ann Marie Albright

Comments
This project exemplifies the Appropriate Projects model of implementing staged projects that build upon the successes of their predecessors.

Dollar Amount of Project
$555.00

Donations Collected to Date
$0.00

ADOPT THIS PROJECT BY CONTRIBUTING THE DOLLAR AMOUNT NEEDED BELOW

Donations of any amount will be appreciated. The full amount will give you "naming rights", if that is something you would like.

Any contributions in excess of the Dollar Amount of Project will be allocated to other projects directed by this PCV and/or projects of other PCVs in this country.

Dollar Amount Needed
$555.00

Barkedji Sud Primary School Water and Sanitation Project - Senegal

Location
Barkedji, Department of Linguere, Louga Region, Senegal

Community Description
Barkedji is a vibrant community 35 kilometers southeast of the departmental capital, Linguere, in the Louga Region. Nestled in the semi-arid region of the Sahel in the center of Senegal, the community consists of approximately 250 family compounds.

Due to a highly transient community of herders, population estimates range from 2,000 to 4,000 people. The people of Barkedji depend on subsistence farming and small scale animal husbandry to survive.

The village has 5 French language schools: a kindergarten, 3 primary schools and one middle school.

The Barkedji Sud Primary School is located in the poorer outskirts of town. The school opened in 2008 after the rural council’s president wrote an appeal to the government and recruited a school director. The school’s four teachers currently educate 111 students, 53 of whom are boys and 58 girls.

The school currently has no access to water and no bathrooms. Students needing a drink of water must walk to the nearest family compound. In order to relieve themselves, students must walk into the bush and find a tree. The teachers are forced to end class and go into town if they need to use the facilities.

Project Description
This project is to bring potable water and construct bathroom facilities. A 90-meter pipeline will be run to the school, and a tap will be installed. Also, a double pit latrine with 6 private chambers, one side for females the other for the males, will be built.

The rural council, the teachers, and the parents association have planned the project and will be responsible for implementation.

A main pipeline from the village's water tower is located underground 90 meters from the school. Water will be directed to the school from this pipeline through buried PVC piping.

The actual construction of the pipeline will be done by local skilled labor, but a number of parents have volunteered to dig the trench to save on costs.

Two different faucets will be created. One will be near the school building that will be used for students to fill their drinking bottles, teachers to fill cleaning buckets and, hopefully in the near future, to water a school garden. The second will be at a hand washing basin outside the bathrooms. Both taps are very basic metal faucets.

The brick bathroom facilities will consist of 6 private chambers, three for the girls and another 3 for the boys, a wall will separate each chamber and each will have a zinc door to guarantee privacy. Two pits, measuring 3 meters wide and 2 meters deep, will be dug behind the bathroom structure and reinforced with walls of cement. The pits can be pumped once they are full.

Again, volunteers have agreed to dig the pits to save on costs. Then skilled masons will construct the cement lining and bathroom facilities.

Each pit will be covered by a cement platform for safety and sanitary reasons, and have a ventilation PVC pipe equipped with fly screens to assist in reducing the major carrier of disease in the village. The re-bar-enforced cement toilet platforms will connect to the pits using curved plastic tubing.

Various groups within the village have donated approximately 300 bricks to the project. The parents association contributed the equivalent of $120.

Project funds will purchase the tubing for the pipeline, PVC glue, both water faucets, cement, re-bar, zinc for roofing and doors, tubing for the bathrooms, gas for the transportation of material, and pay the skilled labor.

Once the project is completed, an educational mural will be painted encouraging ongoing good hygiene practices. In addition, regular school lessons on health and hygiene will be given to bring about positive behavior change.

Project Impact
The benefits of this project will be warmly welcomed by each of the 111 students and 4 teachers of Barkedji Sud. Additionally, access to water creates the potential to begin a school garden, magnifying the benefits throughout the entire community.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Ann Marie Albright

Comments
Water will be available at the school for drinking, cleaning, and hygiene.

By eliminating open defecation there will be reduction in dehydration caused by diarrhea, one of the leading health concerns of the village.

This ambitious project has tremendous community support, with the people of Barkedji providing most of the labor. It is designed to be sustainable, and will deliver great benefits far into the future.

Dollar Amount of Project
$500.00

Donations Collected to Date
$500.00

Dollar Amount Needed

Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 - This project has been fully funded, through the generosity of friends and family of Peace Corps volunteer Ann Marie Albright.

We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Ann Marie of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Ann Marie and/or those of her counterpart PCVs in Senegal.

This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion of Barkedji Sud Primary School Water and Sanitation Project - Senegal
This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Ann Marie Albright. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
The project was to bring potable water to the school and to construct bathroom facilities.
Ann Marie reports:
On behalf of the students, teachers, and greater Barkedji community, I would like to thank Appropriate Projects, in particular those who donated to our project. I am happy to report that our water and bathroom project has been successfully completed! This basic human needs project has and will continue to have real and lasting effects in the Barkedji community.
The school now has a functioning water tap on its grounds, allowing students to drink, use bathroom facilities, and clean chalkboards. The construction of a school bathroom was also completed. A 4 m x 3 m pit was dug and lined with cement. We capped the pit with a rebar-reinforced cement platform for safety and sanitary reasons.
Next a pipe for aeration was installed. The bathroom facilities consist of 3 separate chambers, one for the girls, the boys, and the last designated for the teachers. Each chamber is completely enclosed and equipped with a locking door to ensure privacy. The bathrooms sit in front of the pit and are connected by underground evacuation pipes.
The original plan was downgraded to the construction of 3 chambers and one water tap because of budgetary limitations.
Teachers gave the students their first hygiene lesson, explaining use of the facilities, the importance of keeping the bathrooms clean, and reinforcing the importance of hand washing with soap. We hope to continue with regular health and hygiene lessons.
Future works at the school will include installing an additional water tap closer to the bathroom. We also hope, because of the addition of the water at the school, to start a school garden.
Thank you!
We, in turn, extend our gratitude to Ann Marie, and again thank her friends and family for providing the funding for the project.