In Honduras, water is life. With increased drought in the region, accessing water is increasingly difficult. Many families, usually the women, spend a good portion of the day getting water so they can cook and clean. But what happens when children are at school? Where does water for cleaning, bathrooms, and hygiene in schools come from if there is no water infrastructure in the community?
In the community of La Chaparral, Vecinos Honduras worked with community organizations such as the Board of Trustees, School Government, teachers and the Parents’ Association to figure out a solution to poor water access and limited hygiene options at the “Juan Lindo” Basic Education Center. Working together they were able to install a rainwater harvesting tank to store water, and they put in sinks and 2 toilets, as well as improving the condition of the existing washrooms by installing a ceramic floor and new wooden doors.
This small initiative benefited 74 girls, 52 boys and 8 teachers.
This activity was one of many activities that World Neighbours Canada supported in Honduras through Vecinos Honduras. Other activities we supported this year included community capacity building in the community of Langue, a new community where Vecinos Honduras is working. Many workshops were held regarding seed saving, how to advocate for water, seed, and health rights, training for young entrepreneurs, community clean ups, as well as financial literacy for micro credit unions, farmer’s collectives, and entrepreneurs.