January 2012 Columbia University Water Brigade

Start Date: Jan 9, 2012 12:00 AM
End Date: Jan 15, 2012 12:00 AM

Water Brigade volunteers will spend 7 days in Honduras implementing a water system to prevent water related illnesses in a community with limited access to a sufficient quantity and quality of clean water. Volunteers receive a comprehensive introduction to the water issues by touring the current insufficient water system, and meeting and discussing the issues with community members and leaders. With a holistic understanding of the community’s challenges and the Water Brigades’ solution, volunteers work side-by-side with community members to construct the new water system. Volunteers may work on a piping system, water storage unit, small dam, water treatment unit or another infrastructural project. Additionally volunteers partner with the community’s Basic Sanitation Committee and provide education and training to proliferate knowledge about proper water use, and proper sanitation and hygiene practices. With a sufficient quantity of properly treated water and proper sanitation and hygiene practices, community members can cut off the connection between water and illness and ultimately live healthier and more productive lives.