In June, the TerraCare team had a follow up visit to Nam Tang Village, Pak Song District, Champassak Province. The team was there to train, monitor and observe customers who had received a water filter from TerraCare. These villagers have also received several lessons teaching about benefits of drinking clean water, handwashing, dry latrine construction and the consequences of open defecation. While we were there, we had some wonderful news about one of the villagers, Mae Ning, and her story of change.
In March, the TerraCare team had completed the third health training of the TerraCare program, which specifically teaches about the harmful effects of open defecation and teaches how to build a dry pit latrine. Mea Ning and her family paid close attention and really understood the need for a toilet instead of using the forest for defecation. They immediately began to build a latrine, guided by TerraCare technicians. In fact, this family was very enthusiastic to provide the best for their family. Instead of building a dry pit latrine, they asked their son to help them to buy the parts, and then they built a better quality, pour flush latrine. Their new toilet was complete with a metal roof and covered by a solid wall. TerraCare was very proud and excited for her and how well she paid attention, learned something new and better for her family’s health, following through with building the new latrine for her family.
When we did the follow up, we also asked “Why didn’t you want to build a latrine before?” She replied: “In the past I thought defecation was easily composted and did not pose a health risk.” The TerraCare Team also asked her: “What do you understand now about the dangers of open defecation? She replied:
1. Open defecation is dirty and makes the area around the home not clean
2. Open defecation cases diarrhea and abdominal pain
3. Open defecation makes water dirty and carries disease
When we heard Mae Ning’s answers, we were very happy to be a part of providing knowledge and understanding about hygiene and good health practices for village families.
