Testimonials

In April A Vision for Clean Water sponsored a weekend Latrine Workshop that I had the pleasure of attending. I did so with the encouragement of my son Dustin who has participated with AVFCW on clean water projects but was a novice regarding latrine construction. We both learned a lot at the workshop. There was a full house at Colombiere Center in Clarkston. Local attendees were joined by people from across the United States and from Kenya, El Salvador, Ecuador and Haiti.

The workshop was put on by the instructors from CAWST (Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology) based in Calgary. Participants came with varying backgrounds and experiences with clean water and sanitation projects. Our interactions throughout the weekend were lively and easy with attendees and CAWST instructors sharing their experiences and assisting each other. The group included clean water advocates, drillers, civil engineers, teachers, students and implementers. Some, like myself, were novices with a desire to begin our journey of understanding. Some were very experienced and were given the technical information they sought. Everyone was most eager to learn how well-planned latrine sanitation systems can play a significant role in improving the health and well-being of in-need communities.

Our workshop sessions consisted of instruction on written material, group activities and also hands-on activities in which we constructed the concrete slabs that are used to separate the latrine structures from the collection pit or box. The CAWST instructors stressed the importance of planning the latrine as part of a larger sanitation system. The planning starts with the involvement of the local community members and leaders so that cultural preferences and other influences can be identified. Other things to be considered are the ease of getting available materials and labor to be used in construction and, very importantly, a plan for long-term maintenance of the system. Good maintenance of the project ensures its continued efficiency and cleanliness and encourages use by members of the community.

I am now a more knowledgeable member of our global community and plan to stay connected with the many people that I met. I hope to assist in implementing clean water and sanitation projects that serve to protect and promote good health for people around the world.