Teresa - Community Led Total Sanitation
Authors
Elizabeth Dunn
Issue Date
2016-02
Type
Language
en
Keywords
Water and Sanitation
Alternative Title
Abstract
Teresa has benefitted from the project Community Led Total Sanitation, aided by Umande Trust and Practical Action which aims to provide water supply, sanitation and hygiene programmes. Teresa is a landlady in Nakuru, Kenya and couldn’t afford to provide a toilet for her tenants. Teresa now has pour flush, lined latrines with a septic tank. She also has showers. Teresa was part of the original project and her toilets are shown as a model of the type of toilets to be built in the area. Teresa is HIV positive and struggled to become respected by her community. They were scared of her status because they did not understand, it was especially hard when she lost her husband to the disease in 2008. This project has enabled her to become a part of the community and someone people turn to for advice. Teresa has 6 children. Teresa said: "there has been replication; people have gone on to build their own toilets modeled on this design. No-one builds toilets without linings anymore. I’m happy that the project happened. I used to build toilets but they used to collapse. I did not know about the different soil types. More tenants want to live on my plot now, because of the good sanitation. I feel proud of the facilities... I am now a role model." In 2008, when Teresa lost her husband, she was recognised as a member of the community in most need and became a beneficiary. Here she describes what it was like soon after she lost her husband and how she feels now. "I had no-where to turn to. I had no job. You have to pick yourself us and walk. I now grow sweet corn and sell it." Teresa has now become a community mobiliser and educates her local community. "I tell them to perform good practice, sort out good business, keep clean, practice safe sex and to lead a good life. I make friends with people that need a friend." When asked about what it was like to be selected for the project and have a model toilet built, she said: "it was empowering." This project has given Teresa the power and confidence to change her life and her community are now showing understanding and respect.
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All Rights Reserved