At the heart of Orant’s programs and initiatives is sustainability, which is also one of our values. We believe in not only implementing programs or initiatives but also in creating long-lasting change that will continue to serve our community. In today's blog article, we talk about why we perform maintenance on water wells and how it contributes to the sustainability of our Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program.
Reimagining Hygiene for Every Pupil
For close to 7 years, students at Chilinkholi Primary School kept dropping out.
One learner named Precious Paulo says, “Since there were no toilets here, there were days I would leave school early for home. I would miss classes, which eventually affected my performance.”
A lack of toilets affected students’ ability to stay in school, but also their health.
“We used to go to that graveyard over there,” student Alexa Luka points, “because our school didn’t have even a single toilet. A week couldn’t pass without one of us suffering from diseases like diarrhea.”
Poor sanitation and hygiene are major contributors to the burden of disease and school dropouts in rural schools and communities. Most rural schools still practice open defecation due to a lack of toilets and appropriate sanitation resources on school premises. In response, Orant has built 8 blocks of pit latrines for Chilinkholi primary school. We have also built pit latrines at Madzo, Ndeka, and Chiliphiza Schools in Dowa.
Mayamiko Mwenda, Orant’s Water & Sanitation Project Manager, says, “Delivering WASH resources and information to communities has always been our greatest priority. With the wide-spreading pandemic, we have focused our WASH work in schools where learners are prone to contracting diseases”
Waleke Simwaka, Chilinkholi’s Headmaster, says, “The new toilet blocks have greatly contributed to students’ turn up at school. Before, school dropouts happened at an alarming rate, especially for girls who didn’t feel safe to use the bushes when on their periods. But now, many have returned to school.”
Precious Paulo says, “The new pit latrines are so clean, hygienic, and comfortable to use. I don’t miss classes anymore. ”
The headmaster notes that Orant’s building project helped not only the school, but also the communities around it. “Most households around here used to practice open defecation. But now, learning from Orant, they have constructed pit latrines.”
The rainy season is almost here. Diseases such as cholera are expected to spike. We are working tirelessly with communities and school facilities to ensure hygiene and sanitation practices keep communities and children safe. Learn more about our Water & Sanitation Program here.
The Orant Journal
Commemorating World Water Day 2024
Every year on the 22nd of March, the world commemorates World Water Day as a way of raising awareness of major water-related issues and to inspire action to tackle the water and sanitation crisis. This year’s World Water Day is themed “Water for Peace.” Read our blog article to learn more about what our WASH program is doing to promote peace and foster harmony.
Ensuring WASH Program Sustainability Through Water Point Committees
We are excited to have trained the Chika Water Point Committee (WPC) as a way of ensuring sustainability. Read our latest blog to learn more about WPCs and the role they play.
The Challenge of Accessing Clean Water in Rural Malawi
We are excited to tell you about the new borehole our WASH program has drilled in Chika Village, T/A Njombwa in Kasungu. Read our latest blog to learn more about how this new borehole will change the lives of people in Chika Village.
Improving Health and Hygiene for Students in Malawi
Our Water and Sanitation program continues to make a significant difference in the lives of students in rural Malawi. Read our latest blog to learn about how we support hygiene initiatives in primary schools in Dowa, Malawi.
A Water Problem is a Life Problem: Interview with Yona Maloto
Yona Maloto has been a Water Field Assistant for Orant's Water & Sanitation Program since 2020. We interviewed him to learn more about his work.
Water is an Issue of Gender
Clean water is a gendered issue in Malawi. Women and girls bear the brunt of the water burden. Malita Chimbalame tells her story.
Madzi ndi Moyo: Water is Life
Madzi ndi Moyo: water is life. Melina Maiko of Central Malawi reflects on the gift of water. A new water well impacts her family and village.
Making Clean Water Accessible in Malawi
Orant makes clean water accessible in rural Malawi by drilling and maintaining boreholes. In 2021, Orant drilled 15 new boreholes.
Measuring Water Levels with Solinst
Orant received the Solinst Water Meter only a few weeks ago but is already putting it to use in the Water & Sanitation Program.