The West Foundation’s Impact on Lifewater
Since receiving funds from The West Foundation in 2021, approximately one hundred and fifteen people have been directly impacted by the support. Through hygiene education, sanitation solutions, such as latrine blocks, and drilling new wells that provide access to safe clean water, these lives and villages will be transformed.
(From contributing writer Jim Evans, Regional Director of Donor Relations, Lifewater International)
Photographed below is one of six current latrine block projects taking place in Uganda at a school in Kaliro. Most people do not realize the significance latrine blocks play in the health of a village. In Lifewater’s “Vision of a Healthy Village” model, these buildings are critical to keeping children healthy and in school. As part of our model, WASH Clubs are created in the school. Children are provided curriculum on the importance of hygiene education in prevention of disease transmission (including COVID-19), sanitation, and of course access to clean water. These kids will often take their experiences in school back to their home villages and teach their families safer hygiene practices.
The lack of menstruation hygiene education and facilities combined with the embarrassment and social stigma, most girls to opt to stay at home. However, with latrine blocks providing doors for safety and security along with menstruation hygiene education, Lifewater is seeing a significant increase in girls staying in school. In some program areas, we are seeing an 18% increase within the first year. We are also seeing an overall school enrollment increase as fewer children are getting sick.