Rehabilitation Project
Upon completion of the project, our partner in the field reports...
A LWI Burkina Faso team member stated, "The interest that the Director of the School took in the project was unparalleled. He was very interested in our work and helped with little things the whole time during the rehab. Normally, someone in a high position takes it upon themselves to be served, but this man obviously had a different heart and you could tell he had a love for children as well. It wasn't just a job." When the team arrived, community members were utilizing an unprotected hand dug well located one kilometer away from the community to meet all of their water needs. Because of this, families were suffering from dysentery, typhoid and malaria. The LWI Burkina Faso team was pleased to learn of the community’s use of a covered pit latrine as this will help prevent further spread of disease in the area. During the team’s stay, community members assembled a water committee consisting of six men and two women who assisted the team with the water project whenever possible, provided materials, food and guarded the team’s equipment during the night. This water committee is also responsible for collecting an annual well maintenance fee of $2.00 per household. Most community members are of Muslim or Animist faith and earn a living by subsistence farming and artisan gold mining. The nearest school is a primary school with 90 students that is located .1 of a kilometer away from the community whose students, teachers and administrative personnel all have access to the new, safe water source. Before leaving the community, the team provided community member, Etienne Somda, with a LWI Burkina Faso contact number in case their well were to fall into disrepair, become subject to vandalism or theft.
The LWI Burkina Faso team had an opportunity to meet with thirty-nine year old community member and school director, Philippe Wi, who stated, "I have the honor of coming and giving thanks for all the sincere work that your church association is doing. Today we have received a pump from the strength of your association. This action will provide for the means (expression like giving a daily egg to stave off hunger) of our school and our students in particular. During the last two years our students have had to travel long distances to gather water. And, the water they found was not of good quality. We salute you for releasing them from this suffering, like that of a thorn in your foot. We wish you a long life and good work in your association. That God would give you always the finances to continue this work of rehabilitating wells. Know that our school is being conducted with classes meeting under grass mats and we wish that in the years to come the conditions will be improved. That God responds in your hearts our good favor. That the All Powerful blesses you. Hallelujah. Amen."
During the hygiene education, the LWI Burkina Faso team addresses: Hand washing, how to properly transport and store water, disease transmission and prevention, how to maintain proper care of the pump, as well as signs and symptoms of dehydration and how to make Oral Rehydration Solution. All of these lessons are taught in a participatory method to help community members discover ways to improve their hygiene and sanitation choices, and implement community driven solutions.
