Our partnership with Water 1st

Our partnership with Water1st secured the rights to a mountain spring, which served as the water source for San Pedrito. The water was piped to the community water tank and distributed directly to each house. A sink and a toilet were also provided to each home. Hygiene educators worked with each household to increase their knowledge of good hygiene practices. Roughly 47 households in the community gained sustainable access to clean water and improved sanitation through this project.

Community members report that their families are much healthier as a result of the water project. They also enjoy being clean and living in cleaner homes. With easy access to water, they can bathe regularly and they can mop floors, clean surfaces, and do all kinds of things they never had sufficient water to do. In addition to the health benefits of the project, community members report that they are much more productive. Previously much of their time was consumed by the process of collecting water from a nearby river. They are now able to engage in income generating activities like sewing, working in a local shop, and increasing their agricultural production. Most beneficiaries interviewed also mentioned feeling more confident in their abilities as individuals and feeling more coordinated as a community. Women report overcoming the fear of speaking in public meetings. Community members report that they work together on many activities for the benefit of the entire village, like collecting trash and promoting good health practices.