Where’s the Poop?

Yesterday was World Toilet Day. I’m sure Hallmark has a card but this is one holiday they didn’t create. In America, we might acquaint the recognition of this day by remembering a filthy bathroom or thinking of the time you had to share with dorm mates in college. But in India, no funds, no space, and no education on the importance of hygiene equals no toilet. And of course no sink.

I met a family this week with a mother, father, grandparents and a 16 year old son. Until one month ago, this family didn’t have a toilet. The government sold the family a squatting plate (imagine a port-o-potty toilet seat that you squat on) but didn’t give them any resources or education to dig a proper pit, built a shelter, or provide handwashing. So the family set the squatting plate by the lake without a hole and did their business there. Feces went directly into the same water that other neighbors used for dish cleaning. No problem right?

A month ago it was determined that the grandparents no longer had the ability to walk to the pond several times a day and instead they were openly defecating by their home. So the parents got in touch with Water For People and our partner Rural Aid and requested a loan for $50 to build one of the first 17 latrines in the village of 256 families. The family now reports health benefits associated with their very clean latrine. Not to mention they are the talk of the village.

This is one example of the 2.5 billion people without a toilet.

Two Days Away from Authentic Indian Food

Photo by Nancy Haws.

Tomorrow I begin the 24 hour flight to India, starting in Kolkata with others from Water For People. We’ll travel to Sagar Island to see water projects and the real impact the organization and its supporters have on the communities. Can’t wait! Then next Thursday I’ll go t see an arsenic program. Arsenic is heavily concentrated in the water in many parts of India, but people don’t often recognize the effects until many years later. But the organization is helping to make the water safe and educate the communities about the problems that arsenic-ridden water will bring in the future.

 

After that, I’m on my own for a week – and open to the possibilities! I’ll be in touch!