LIBERIA: Christian charity turns over WASH Projects
…. several schools in Margibi County Benefit – By: WASH R&E “Media” Network – WASH in schools or Wins Initiative launched by the Liberian government and partners is yielding tangible results across the country. Several international and local partners have embarked on the Initiative of government to ensure that Liberian students get improved WASH facilities at their respective learning institutions.
(L-R) Acting Deputy Education Minister, USAID Director, County Inspector and living Water Int’l Country Director
Living Water International Christian based charity providing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in Margibi County.
The charity has also embarked on the Community Led Total Sanitation Initiative with several communities in the county declared Open Defecation Free (ODF).
The faith based organization in partnership with UNICEF and United States Agency of International Development (USAID) has provided WASH facilities at twenty-five Schools in the county.
Speaking at the E.J. Yancy School Annex, UNICEF Representative, Dr. Sulieman Braimoh said the purpose of the program in the E.J. Yancy Annex has already been achieved with the drama performed by the School’s health club.
Inside view of the Toilet
Mr. Braimoh said many organizations involved in WASH services on several occasions have not put in place sustainability mechanism like what Living Water International has done.
He asserted that WASH in schools can only be sustained when the software portion is prioritized.
The UNICEF Representative commended Living Water International for been farsighted in prioritizing the software component of the project in schools in the county.
For his part, USAID Mission Director, Dr. Anthony Chan said he was pleased with the form and manner students of the E.J. Yancy School Annex have understood the idea of the Wins Initiative.
Students demonstrating Hand washing, at one of the hand washing facilities for schools
Dr. Chan noted the students have demonstrated that they are prepared to make maximum use of the facilities.
Making remarks on behalf of the County’s Superintendent, MR. Tarr Sackie said the county administration is overjoyed for the WASH in School Initiative.
Mr. Sackie assured Living Water International and Partners of their fullest support in the implementation of WASH related projects in Margibi County.
Providing an overview of the project, the faith based charity Country Director, Austin Nyaplue said the project started in February of 2017 in partnership with UNICEF, with funding from USAID.
Mr. Nyaplue noted that the intent of the project is to increase Improved sanitation and hygiene in twenty-five schools in the county.
Disable friendly toilet facility at E.J. Yancy School Annex
The LWI Country Director indicated that his organization realized during the Ebola outbreak, hand washing and improved sanitation played a pivotal road in reducing the spread of the virus.
As part of the project, Mr. Nyaplue added, his organization constructed hand washing stations in all of the twenty-five schools in the county, including water points.
Two beneficiaries of the program, the Principals of the E.J. Yancy School Annex and the Cole Town Public School commended UNICEF, USAID and Living Water International for the WASH Initiative at the various schools.
They said the project has created an enabling WASH environment for their students, making the learning atmosphere very conducive.
USAID Director and UNICEF Country Director inspecting a pump constructed by Living Water Int’l
The visit of the UNICEF and USAID delegation to the two schools is aimed at reviewing the project at urban and rural schools, to hand over to schools WASH facilities and to meet project beneficiaries.
The visit of the delegation followed the turning-over of the facilities by Living Water International to the 25 schools on November 20, at programs marking the official celebration of World Toilet Day in Margibi County.
The turning over of the modern latrines to the 25 schools in Margibi County, was also witnessed by the Regional Vice President for Africa of Living Water International, Dr. Victor Madziakapita, who visited Liberia.
