Biosand Water Filter in Dalive

John Homadzi-Glidden of YCC (Youth Creating Change) of Ghana talks about a filter installation they did in Dalive village. They installed ten filters in the area in 2006 and trained locals to be filter technicians. The water source is the Volta River, seen in the background.

The people are really appreciating the benefits of the filters. This is actually surprising because when a village has a source of water like a river, the locals think their water is very good. "Our ancestors have always been drinking this water..." In this case, the villagers say the water tastes better and more importantly, they say they have had less health problems such as diarrhea.

Filter Education in Nankuma

Fidelis is answering some questions about this water filter which was installed two years ago. The village received a drilled well three months ago, so they weren't sure they should keep using the filters. They prefer the taste of the stream water run through the filters, but the stream is very far compared to their new well in the village.

Pictures

Spreading germs with Glo-Germ powder.

Some kids wash with only water, some with soap and water, and some with soap, water and scrubbie.

Comparing handwashing.

Looking for germs with an ultraviolet light.

Making germs for a craft.

Teaching Sunday School in the water filter workshop in Nkoranza. Note: the latrine in the background is now complete!

Water and Sanitation Technologies workshop in Adrakpo. The whole village came and sat for a few hours and then had a lot of questions. They will be receiving some water filters.

Facial scars are common tribal markings.

Fidelis is training a household on filter use while Kevin looks on.

Mary (standing in front of their new filter) and her family.

Pounding fufu. Boiled cassava and plantain are mashed into a sticky dough.

Fufu in goat soup. Fur and all. It's eaten with your fingers (right hand only), which may be why Kevin got so sick. Insufficient handwashing?

The latrine in Grumakrom is doing well. When we were approaching the village on our bikes, all the kids were shouting, "Melissa! Melissa!" The people are extremely grateful for this toilet.

Two hour bike ride to Nankuma.

We taught some kids to make kites, thanks to a friend and kite enthusiast at Canada Post.

We're home!

We missed our flight connection in New York, but eventually made it
home safe Friday night. I promise I'll post some photos soon... For
now we're spending lots of time with the kids.