Students making a difference!

When our new US Executive Director, Ceallaigh Smart, visited Haiti in September, she visited an incredible group of people making a huge difference for their school and community! This small group, led by students, teachers, and parents, is the first in Haiti to do a community-led managed school WASH program. It was championed by students, one of which said she hadn’t used the bathroom in 5 years at school because of the conditions. She said many other girls would also just miss school if they had their period. She has now moved on to high school but said she is so proud to leave a legacy in her middle school for other girls!

The determination of these community members is endless! Since this meeting only a month ago, the team has collected more than $700 for water and sanitation! To keep it sustainable, each student pays an annual fee of $3. They now have a system in place for cleaning and stocking as well as they set up a handwashing station, drinking water station, soap, toilet paper, and tampons. Kids and teens can now focus on their studies and not have to worry about using the bathroom or missing class to go home. They have now seen what community action can do! They have a vision to keep going and want to have solar flush toilets in the near future. We can’t wait to share with you what they accomplish next!