We met with the County Commissioner (Commune Chief) and the Village Chief of Leap and worked out a plan. The plan which included 3 dug wells and 21 latrines was a done deal. However, when we had had our first community meeting and it was discussed thoroughly the Ladies decided they could live with the pond water and preferred to eliminate two wells and reallocate the funds for an additional twelve latrines. This was very encouraging as it showed that the community Ladies were thinking in terms of overall sanitation.

Please remember that what they get from your donations is a latrine kit which they install and then finish with a closed in structure. It is a lot of work and quite a bit of money. They are, contrary to popular wisdom, quite willing to invest in their own well-being. They just need information, encouragement and some initial assistance!

I was pleased that our crew, Samley, Huch and Sea, presented the proposed program in such a way as to avoid intimidation of our beneficiaries and encourage their input.