While at the orphanage, we wanted to explore other needs, so we branched out into several side projects. I will start with the most pressing need that the orphanage had.
Project Ventilation:
The latrine in the guest house had weak ventilation and left many of our team members distraught. So, Elliot and I headed up an initiative to make the latrine experience more bearable and maybe even more enjoyable. We took out the glass door cover and replaced it with a beautiful, fine mesh. Additionally, we demolished several bricks and created what I would term a “breathing space.” I also had the opportunity to drill some giant holes. Acoustical security may have been sacrificed, but it was for the greater good. The finished product is shown below:
Project Hand Wash:
I felt that the hand washing situation at the orphanage was awkward and dire. The established system called for having a partner pour water from a pitcher onto your hands. It did not really work well trying to pour water over your own hands, as you could only do one at a time. And at times I felt that my handwashing friends were not invested in the process. They would lazily pour water over my hands, stop too early, pour sporadically, or act like they had better things to do. Using the extra bulkheads and taps we had, we attached taps to several Jerry cans. Hand washing can now be done at the orphanage free of awkwardness. The station can also be used as a teeth-brushing station, an elbow-washing station, a Jerry-can filling station, etc. I also see this as a huge business opportunity and Project Handwash will probably go global real soon. Maybe even tomorrow. Investors, please contact me.
Project Pump Rehabilitation:
Our irrigation project uses water from an upper tank that is filled with a water-wheel powered pump from a stream three-hundred meters below. Unfortunately, when we got to the orphanage, the pump was not working. So we replaced a bunch of parts, etc. and got it to dominate. This project was essential to our overall irrigation system. This project is also less sexy than the other ones.
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