February 2007

TWO projects were undertaken this month:
Location: Dinajpur, Bangladesh

PROJECT 1: Provision of Hygienic Sanitation

The sanitation program ensures a build up health conscious individuals and enhanced positive attitude towards healthy behaviour. It is reported that 88% of upset stomach disease is attributed to unsafe water supply, inadequate sanitation and hygiene.

In late February, we installed 10 outdoor toilets in Dinajpur which will serve over 250 people for a period of 5 years. Prior to this, the villagers had no proper toilets, and it was difficult for people to use the toilet at night, especially for women, as it meant they had to walk outside in darkness.

we consulted the families over tea and sweets, and decided where to install these toilets. The beneficiaries helped with the manual labour and the toilets were installed. Each village family consists of about 25 people, children, parents, grandparents and spouses. These groups of 25 or so people live in clusters near each other. Ten toilets will serve an average of 250 people. These toilets are designed to last five years on average, after which they are sealed off because they become full as the waste fills up and can compact no more.

A big hole is dug about two or three metres deep which several men take turns digging. Large concrete rings are then placed inside to form a long concrete tube. The ground is secured. The final piece is placed on top. Doors and walls are added using renewable materials like bamboo and thatch, though some preferred using corrugated tin. It took two days to complete all ten toilets in the surrounding villages.

People watching as holes are dug

The top of a toliet

A happy man with his new toilet

Just the door needs adding.

The base of the toilet, Several giant rings.

A hole for the toilet being dug

One of the rings is installed

A ring is carefully being lowered into the hole

Hard at work digging in turns

Halfway there

Digging commences on a another site

Taking a break

Lowering the final ring

Nearly complete, just adding some privacy

Some of the components

PROJECT 2: Clothing Of Orphans

All 16 orphans of "Nowkhair Hafizia Quariana School & Orphanage" and their teacher were provided 79 metres of fabric for traditional robes which were then tailor made for them. We also distributed some sweets as well.

These are the orphaned children. They receive education and food at this school free of charge. They live, study and sleep on these premises and you can see their bedding on the floor. If you want to help this orphanage, contact us and we can forward your money onto them.