Sanitation training extends to weddings

Sanitation training is a major priority. In each community, Plan trains 12 villagers to become peer educators on hygiene and sanitation, usually six women and six men. That's because Plan finds that community members are the most effective agents of change. Plan teaches them about sanitation and hygiene including:

• the importance of hand washing
• the consequences of poor hygiene (e.g., diarrhea from bacteria, parasites or virus)
• how to use a latrine properly
• appropriate disposal of feces and garbage (e.g., composting)
• sanitary ways to transport and store water
• soap making

Plan then brainstorms with the volunters the most effective ways to get these messages across to their neighbors and friends. Some hold informal sessions at all-day village get-togethers, including weddings and baptisms. Others speak informally with their peers as they pound millet, cook or do chores together. Men may sit around discussing these topics in the town square, after the day’s work and dinner are over.

These hygiene volunteers also survey the cleanliness and sanitation of the village’s water sources. They work with the local community health agent or nurse to remind people how hygiene and good sanitation can continue to help prevent disease and infection.