Sankubenase

The Safe Water Education Project

Overview

Ghana – Atiwa West District, Eastern Region

Highlights from the Field

 

As the Covid-19 pandemic subsided and protective vaccinations were readily available, an eight-member Bright Water training team traveled to Ghana in September 2021. Steve Hutchings and Natalie Dalley led the expedition, with Linda Hansen as team coordinator. A group of other capable volunteers rounded out the team.

The purpose was to initiate BWF’s safe water education program in several rural communities of the Atiwa West District, Eastern Region and to train 20+ local team members to carry out the community-based, self-directed initiative. A small group of adjacent communities totaling about 4,000 residents were pre-selected to begin the safe water education, including seven (7) local schools. Local management was given direction. Community relations were cemented with stake holders, including district health and education authorities.

The TEACH-TEST-TREAT methodology was systematically taught, both in the classroom and thru practice in local communities. And a data gathering function was introduced to measure changes in water-use behaviors and family health thru surveys and water testing at the community sources and in sample households.

The People

The entries that follow represent activities of the Headquarters team and various profiles and experiences of local team members. In the coming weeks and months, periodic updates will be posted to follow the progress of the Sankubenase project.

Teach, Test, Treat

The entries that follow show how Bright Water Foundation changes behavior by teaching safe water principles, testing household water to demonstrate the need for treatment, and reinforcing safe water treatment and storage.