Children help improve health
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© Hatibandha Program Unit |
| Children's group identifying open defecation spots |
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A group of children from a remote village in Bangladesh, brought about extraordinary change in the sanitation and health of their community. So, dear friend, we would like to share this success story with you and show how the sanitation practices have been totally changed by the initiatives of 30 children and adolescents.
Shiuli, an adolescent girl who was an active member of the group, tells the story:
Background
“There are around 2,800 adults and children in the community. It is one of the most under-developed villages, with public health being particularly poor. One of the reasons was the traditional practice of defecating anywhere and everywhere – in the fields, by paths and by the roads.
Government agencies and other organisations had tried to bring about change through awareness programs and supplying the materials to build latrines. Yet any success was short-lived as the villagers reverted to their traditional ways.
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© Hatibandha Program Unit |
| Children use drama to raise awareness of the bad effects of open defecation |
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Village group meet to discuss local issues
When Plan came to our community in 2001, it was a ray of hope. Staff held meetings with the community to find out what major issues were hampering development. The villagers were clear that health was the most burning issue, so Plan encouraged them to form a Village Representative Group that included men, women and children.
After almost a year, this group declared that, from now on, no one should defecate outside the home and everyone would build their own latrine. To build a latrine its not requires just digging. After digging a hole they need to put up pit, fence etc so digging is not enough. The group organised an awareness campaign with Plan staff and children carrying out major tasks.
Children use drama and music to spread the word
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© Hatibandha Program Unit |
| Community involvement in installation of sanitary latrines |
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We children started work. We raised awareness by beating drums during the weekly bazaar (market) declaring that anybody found defecating in the field would have their name displayed publicly to humiliate them. We also went to each school to perform drama, to motivate the students, and told parents how harmful open defecation can be to their children. We went from door to door in the village saying: 'No, no, not to be naked outside!!' "
Real change was achieved
Seventeen families led the way by building latrines for their own use. And others soon followed suit. This marvellous result was achieved through the collective and coordinated efforts of the villagers and shows how motivation can bring about change.
We praise the spirit of the villagers for their novel way of bringing about positive change. If change is to be long term, it should be brought about by local people themselves, as was proved here in Bangladesh.
Written by Ms. Nyma Nargis, Plan Bangladesh
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