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Wells and latrines
STS has helped communities from 24 schools identify school health projects, then provided financing so these communities could implement their projects. With STS support, communities have build latrines, dug wells, created school gardens, and procured first-aid kits for their schools.
Wells and latrines are the biggest projects - ones that require significant community participation and contribution of things like wood, gravel and sand, and lots of labor. STS, with support from the Alcoa Foundation and Metropolitan Learning Center, has provided over $30,000 in small grants to make sure these projects are completed.
How does it work?
First, we work with teachers and community members to identify the health issues of greatest concern to them in their children's schools. Then we work them them to make a list, prioritize their choices, and cost out one of the options for small grant funding. To qualify, they must establish a grants oversight committee that monitors the use of funds and progress of their project. The community provides at least 20% of the value of the project with in-kind labor and materials. Once funds are released, the community begins work and monitors progress. STS ensures proper spending and bookkeeping, tracking all receipts.
Examples of projects
Latrines
Community members chip in and work as volunteers to dig the hole for the latrine.
Once the hole is dug, they pour a concrete floor over it, then build the walls.
Finally, they install the roof and doors and paint it and voila! The school now has a latrine with 3 cabins: one for girls, one for boys, and one for the teachers.
Wells
As with the latrines, we start by hiring an engineer who knows about well-digging. For example, you shouldn't dig one near a latrine. The engineer then digs a hole - sometimes reaching 45 feet deep.
Then the engineer, with the help of a few boys in the neighborhood, fabricates several concrete tubes and places them at the bottom of the hole.
Finally, the rest of the hole is sealed with cement, then the top is poured and the hardware is installed and voila! The school now has a well that has year-round, drinkable water for the students, teachers, and entire community.
Contact information: School-to-School International
PO Box 371056Montara, CA 94037Tel & fax: +1 (650) 728-7138Email: info@sts-international.orgWeb: http://sts-international.orgSchool-to-School International is a tax-exempt, nonprofit
501 (c) (3) organization registered in the State of California.
Copyright 2008 © School-to-School International. All rights reserved.
