Friday, March 4th

"WASH" Day - Water, Sanitation and Hygeine (and crocodiles!! ) Friday March 4, 2011

Today was a day filled with education-- for the community we visited, and for us! We joined the World Vision "WASH" team as they visited a village without proper sanitation systems. The team's goal is to develop a plan and work with the village to improve sanitation.
The first item on the agenda was to map out the current situation in the village. The entire community escorted us as we walked the trails through the village. Temps were in the upper 90's-low 100's. The sun has such intensity that it sends you into an immediate full body sweat. The dirt is red, sand-like, and blows in the wind. The river that flows near this village was entirely dry. It remains dry for several months until the rainy season comes in April-May. Whatever water can be found is used to irrigate their gardens--here they grew tobacco, tomatoes, and watermelon. We continued on the trail to a small body of putrid, filthy water which was used for both animal and human consumption. On the way there, we passed near a defecation site....a dirt area where all people in the village use the bathroom simply by squatting, and covering the waste with dirt. There are no bathrooms or latrines, no handwashing facilities. A real eye-opener.
The WASH team from World Vision then educated the villagers using an interpreter and visual cues. The importance of handwashing, covering food from insects, boiling water before use, washing fruits and vegetables before eating were all discussed. It is very important that there is cooperation with the village and WV...it is a true collaboration between them.
Returning home we took a detour by the Chief Crocodile Pond. Out of the swamp crawled several crocodiles to sun themselves on the shore. At this pond, visitors are allowed to touch and hold the crocodile's tail. The one I touched was 98 years old! All was fine until Mr Croc decided to pursue one of the park workers at such a rate of speed the worker ran out of his sandals to escape! Jen also ventured out to meet the crocs. Bonnie said the gift of a live chicken was enough for her.... no close encounters with crocs for Bonnie. --- Sara