Overview

Our partners have been working with and living alongside the poorest village people in southern Laos for over twenty years. Entrust is funding the WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) part of a large project in this area, in addition to health volunteer training. This provides 5 villages, over three years, with a sustainable source of clean water, latrines for most households and hygiene education and training in maintaining the latrine and water system. These villages were selected because water borne infections are most prevalent here and the water and sanitation equipment is the least developed.

Why support this

Our partner is working with the village community leaders and provides a water expert to assist the village in needs assessment, planning and construction work. The community is involved at every stage of the project. A committee of four, including two women, is formed and then trained throughout the project. These leaders set up an accounting system in the village, organise the construction work, and learn about maintenance. Similar projects have been implemented already in the same province with great success, especially in terms of ownership by the population. A further aim is to train up a village health volunteer and traditional birth attendant for each village.

Budget

$50,000 for year 1 of a 3yr project. Total budget $120,000.

Expected Life Change

• 60% of the households in these target villages will have treated, drinking water in their homes
• 80% of the village people will have access to an improved water source close to their homes.
• Villagers will have access to latrines and will understand why sanitation and hygiene is important for health and productivity.