JULY 30 - Our stop after Kok TaChan Primary School is a well with VN6 model pump and a toilet for a group of families. They hear our car doors and meet us as we walk the pathway from the road to the well through the cluster of houses. Everyone is greeting with traditional Khmer "chim reap suar" and "soxabai" simultaneous with hands raised palms together and bowing. Then begins the many, many thanks. I take this all in, paying attention to each person, and respond on your behalf, Good People of Wisconsin.
This year we are building 1-r
oom toilets, otherwise same design and construction materials as 2-room toilets in prior years. This is a modification we're making because of the resistance of several or more Khmer families to cooperate fairly in the cleaning and maintenance of toilets over the long term. Even with training and followup to education, the cooperative model is difficult to "sell." We ask the Khmer families not to use their usual tools for cleaning of sticks, stones, sand, but rather to use the brush, broom, pail and dipper.
oom toilets, otherwise same design and construction materials as 2-room toilets in prior years. This is a modification we're making because of the resistance of several or more Khmer families to cooperate fairly in the cleaning and maintenance of toilets over the long term. Even with training and followup to education, the cooperative model is difficult to "sell." We ask the Khmer families not to use their usual tools for cleaning of sticks, stones, sand, but rather to use the brush, broom, pail and dipper.If you look closely in the picture of the well, you can see the toilet beyond.
When we arrive this morning, the well and toilet are spotless. There are flowers and herbs planted around th
e perimeter o
f the well.
Side picture of the toilet lets you see the settling tank and the concrete foundation to elevate the toilet from flooding and critters. The water tank provides water for flushing the toilet, washing hands and cleaning the room.
When we arrive this morning, the well and toilet are spotless. There are flowers and herbs planted around th
e perimeter o
f the well.Side picture of the toilet lets you see the settling tank and the concrete foundation to elevate the toilet from flooding and critters. The water tank provides water for flushing the toilet, washing hands and cleaning the room.
The toilet is a sanitary
and safe place for families, especially women and children. Without a toilet, people must walk away from their houses, dig with sticks, then cover afterward...leaving this to dispersion in the frequent Cambodian rains...accessible to tracking around even farther by people and animals. Especially at night, it's dangerous for women and children when scorpions and snakes are about.
and safe place for families, especially women and children. Without a toilet, people must walk away from their houses, dig with sticks, then cover afterward...leaving this to dispersion in the frequent Cambodian rains...accessible to tracking around even farther by people and animals. Especially at night, it's dangerous for women and children when scorpions and snakes are about.With the wells and toilets come domestic hygiene and sanitation training and health kits for all families on the well. We do this to promote a safe environment for children to grow up in.
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