Bash Bash women group have constructed a pipeline from the borehole to the school that caters for 419 pupils plus their teachers and other staff members.
“The school is located in one of the most vulnerable villages in Merti, and some of the pupils even stopped coming to school due to lack of food and water. Now that we have water in the school, the dormitory will be open, pupils will get food from school and will now focus on their studies” says Mr. Hassan Galgalo, headteacher, Gamachu Primary school.
Construction of latrines for pupils
In the heart of Merti South Muslim primary is a block of latrines that have for years provided a semblance of hygiene and sanitation to the pupils and their teachers. One evening the rains fell relentlessly flooding the land and wreaking havoc upon everything on its path. Roads became impassable, homes and cattle were swept away. Among the casualties of the flood was the school latrine whose walls caved in and its roof collapsed under the weight of the flood water.
“Rebuilding this latrine was essential to ensure the health and dignity of the pupils was maintained”, (quote from one of the group members)
Merti Women Crushers self-help group chose to rebuild the collapsed latrines with their ground cash grant. This not only restored the vital infrastructure but enhanced their belief in the importance of the health and sanitation of the pupils and they pursued their education.
Community-led initiatives recognize local foundations and a collaborative approach which enhances impact and sustainability. Supporting Community-Led Response (SCLR) empowers local communities to be proactive agents of their own development. This holistic and participative approach leads to more sustainable and impactful response and resilience projects ultimately to the benefit of the greater community.