Upon completion of the project, our partner in the field reports...
A LWI Sierra Leone team member commented, "An old man confessed his sins to us. He said he was getting drunk all the time, but after hearing our preaching he claimed that he would stop drinking altogether, and receive Christ as his Savior." 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 cholera, dysentery, typhoid, malaria and respiratory illnesses. The LWI Sierra Leone 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 assisted the team with the water project whenever possible and guarded the team’s equipment during the night. Most community members earn a living by small scale farming or petty trading and a few teach at the nearby school. Before leaving the community, the team provided community member, Mohamed Kargbo with a LWI Sierra Leone contact number in case their well were to fall into disrepair, become subject to vandalism or theft.
The LWI Sierra Leone team had an opportunity to meet with thirty-nine year old community member and petty trader, Augusta John, who stated, "The old well is open, the water has a taste and color. It is full of germs because it is not chlorinated. The new well has no taste and it is chlorinated and protected from germs."
During the hygiene education, the LWI Sierra Leone 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.