CRHP Project Villages

The good news is that after the worst three-year drought since the 1970s, the rain everyone has hoped for has arrived in buckets and sheaths of water! The ground is happily soaking it up, and wells are slowly becoming refilled, although this will be a gradual process. The farmers are back at work in their fields, and the crops are peeking out of the ground with more greenery and life than has been seen in a long time.  The combination of drought and then rain, however, has the odd effect of making construction more difficult, if not impossible. During the drought, the water needed for construction is simply not available in most cases, and is diverted to life-sustaining immediate uses if it is. And with rain, of course, drying anything is not possible. Many of the new toilets, whose piece and parts are gathered and ready, are simply waiting an appropriate time to be constructed. Despite the odds, several toilets have been constructed and are happily enjoying a grateful spot in the village.

Despite the drought and rain, the VHWs continue to work in the village, talking to mothers and families about common health problems, and coming to the CRHP center two days a week for ongoing training. The farmers’ club is still meeting, discussing what is relevant to the men’s daily lives, and working on creating a healthier and more socially equitable village, with support from CRHP’s experienced staff. The next three months will see a progression in the ability of the villagers to develop their ideas and new found skills, coming together to implement them. It will also see many people watching for the end of the much awaited monsoon season, grateful for the water, and the beginning of construction season that’s sure to follow.