Construct 15 Latrines in poverty-stricken La Penda

The first project of the year brought a group of students from the University of Rhode Island (URI) to the campo of La Penda, Dominican Republic. The project was a sanitation project with a goal of constructing 15 ventilated pit latrines (VIP). VIP latrines are an improvement on standard pit latrines that eliminate flies and odor.  

The project holds a very special place in our hearts as it take us to the home of one of our close friends and project manager, Joaquin "Lingo" Marte. The pride and enthusiasm he brought to the project was unmatched and was easy to see the positive affect on the volunteers from URI.

Being able to provide adequate sanitation may be an obvious good deed as we were able to help provide toilets to families that previously did not have any. What was especially toughing to the group was the realization that we were building more than just a latrine. We were in fact constructing dignity. The realization that sunk in with the group was amazing. None of us have ever known what it is like not to have our own privacy when needing to use a bathroom. We all quickly noticed the privacy and dignity we were able to present to the young children of the community with the VIP latrines.   

The group also took part in Women's Day & WASH Education. We educate and demonstrate proper WASH education such as how to wash your hands properly.

With over 100 kids in La Penda, the group enjoyed our afternoon Kid's day activity, handing out coloring books, singing and dancing all afternoon together.  

Overall the trip was a great success and the volunteers enjoyed their time in La Penda, getting to know the community and immediately seeing the impact they made.