FOSCOD partnered with Johnhill Secondary School to improve on the sanitation and hygiene conditions within the community. Through community assessments and discussions conducted by our interns, Cathy and Turner, with students and teachers, we discovered a lack of knowledge about proper sanitation practices, inadequate sanitation facilities, and high maintenance costs.
To address these challenges, the interns implemented a two-pronged approach:
- Education and Awareness: A series of workshops were conducted to educate students and community members about:
- Menstrual hygiene: Providing information and resources to ensure girls can manage their periods with dignity and health.
- Basic sanitation and hygiene: Teaching proper handwashing techniques, toilet use, and waste disposal.
- Environmental impact: Explaining the link between poor sanitation and environmental degradation.
- Biodigester Installation: We partnered with a local expert to install a biodigester, a sustainable solution to waste management and energy generation. This innovative technology reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions, improves sanitation, and provides a renewable energy source.
By empowering the community with knowledge and practical solutions, we have made a significant impact on their health and well-being. The biodigester will not only reduce costs but also create a cleaner and healthier environment for the school and the surrounding community.
The students and community members are committed to maintaining the biodigester and continuing to promote good hygiene practices.