WASH Competence in the interior locations of Suriname
July, Suriname
In July, Boris and Autry, two Constellation coaches, went to Suriname for the second time. During eleven days, they mentored trainers and facilitators who stimulate local ownership on WASH Competence (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) in 16 villages. Since the initial training in April 2011, the Trainers were responsible for the training of Community Facilitators, who in-turn transferred the process to their respective villages.
The coaches and trainers split up in two groups, one visited Upper Upper Suriname and one in Upper Suriname. They each did SALT visits and refresher courses.
Pictures below show the way to get to very remote villages by road and boat.
Boris shared “In each village we visited we were invited to a Krutu, an assembly of villagers led by the captain with his basja’s. Krutu’s are lively conversations that are conducted by means of addressing one of the basja’s. Villagers come to listen, discuss and appreciate what’s being said.”
Some villages, like Wanhatti, are already taking action: “This village was so stimulated they started implementation of some actions before the actually developed their action plan.
Local response and ownership have begun! Garbage receptacles are in place since the dream building and self assessment of WASH”.
All facilitators involved in the process learned a lot through the experience.
Firstly, according to the villages the biggest focus is clean water, having a system that works and remains functioning. The other practices (Toilets, Waste and Hygiene.) are seen as part of building this practice. So waste management is needed for them to have clean water. On the other hand, water is a necessary practice for the toilets, so they go hand in hand.
Secondly, technical background knowledge helps a lot for the trainers. “We learned a great deal from the engineer about the possibilities and practicalities of various approaches/systems.” In the same way it is necessary to have a basic understanding of HIV to be able to ask the right strategic questions to communities.
Thirdly, Constellation coaches recommended that 2 trainers and their group of facilitators should work together and the facilitators should visit more villages sharing their experience.
Boris and Autry concluded “Don’t presume they understand it all and also don’t underestimate anyone.”
