As a trainer for the TerraCare program, Thip trains families about the need to drink clean water and have a toilet instead of open defecation. She also trains the families to wash their hands before they cook food, before they eat, and after defecation. Finally, she gives needy families the option to pay a small amount and get a TerraClear water filter for their home. During her visit to Nam Bong Village in Paksong, southern Laos in January, Thip came across the family of Mr. Moon (35) and his wife, Mrs. Paun (30), who are part of the ethnic minority group of the YaHern people. They have 5 children: 3 girls (1, 3, and 10) and 2 boys (ages 5 and 7) and they live in a small wooden house that they built from trees and branches. Nam Bong Village is remote and difficult to access.
Mr. Moon’s family was overjoyed at the opportunity to get a drinking water filter for their home. Normally, they would try to boil water to drink, but they only had a small pot and could not boil enough water for all of their family.
When the family went to the field to work, they drink water exclusively from open water sources like small streams. Consequently, the family often suffers from diarrhea, stomachache, and headache from dehydration. When they could afford it, they tried to go the village health center for their illnesses, but Mr. Moon rarely had excess money to pay for medicine or health care. Instead, he would sometimes try to use local herbal remedies, which only sometimes worked.
Once they received the TerraClear water filter for their own home, Mr. Moon and Mrs. Paun said they immediately noticed that their life was better. They stopped being sick as much and had more energy. Since they were no longer scrounging all available cash for medicine and medical care, they suddenly found they could start saving a small amount of money. Something really changed for them. Mr. Moon and Mrs. Paun began to think of a better future for their family. They have now decided to try to save for a small tok tok tractor to help with their farming, which would mean better crop production and would make their labor hire out at a higher wage.
When Thip returned to give the family another training about health and sanitation, she noticed that the family looked healthier. Thip was so happy to hear about their dreams and hopes for a bright future for their family and children.
Thip said, “ I can see in our pictures that this family is healthier now. They have learned so much from the program and benefited from the filter. Like for all the families that benefit from the TerraCare program, I am so happy to be part of making this family’s dreams come true!”
The TerraCare program brings hope and positive change to needy families all throughout southern Laos. Thank you for your interest and support!
