Can You Top This?
6.15.12 + Mary Ann McCoy + Tags: Ugandan Culture
Last Saturday, I attended a first: a dedication of a Pit Latrine. Yup, that’s right, a 35-foot deep hand-dug trench, covered by a cement slab that boasted two holes, walls of brick and mortar and real doors.
Not your usual dedication by any stretch of the imagination but in Maga Maga, Uganda this pit was a direct answer to prayer for a family of seven.
The health department had condemned the old latrine and CoG’s sponsored student felt shame for his family. The family had no hope of raising funds for a new one.
So, what would you do to reward a 17-year-old bright young man for his excellent performance in school? Build a latrine of course. Even though the purpose of the latrine was to empty a need, it more than filled a need for his family and community.
The oldest boy made bricks from the dirt dug from the trench. He wants to build an addition to their overcrowded home.
And the Local Chairman 3, found a new sense of pride in his village and felt that “hope” had finally arrived.
So, under the bright blue African sky, a tent was erected, prayers were offered, dignitaries made speeches, a newscaster recorded the event and refreshments were served.
A celebration of any kind doesn’t get much better than that!
Current Comments.
cement mixer said:
This is a good program for the social awareness. We are teaching them sustainability by allowing them to build and use sustainable economic bricks.
Comment link + 7.16.12 @ 5:19PM