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Dave and Susan Cullen: Pakistan February 2006

David and Susan Cullen: Pakistan Mission 2007

Katherine Carter

Katherine Carter (Omo Valley - Ethiopia)

DR. Katherine Carter (Hungary)

Shannon Wilson 

San Salvador, El Salvador, Central America

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The latrine project has been successfully completed.  Wednesday, April 30, 2008 the inauguration was held in the beautiful antique hacienda of the community El Balsamar.  The sub director of Peace Corps El Salvador, the coordinator of partnership grants, the coordinator of projects for the NGO GAIA El Salvador, the mayor of Cuisnahuat and the beneficiaries of the latrines all attended the humble ceremony.  A delicious corn drink and corn on the cob were served to all as a refreshment after the cutting of the tape.

 In the end 33 latrines were built instead of the initial 30 latrines due to left over materials and funds.  Everyone has started to use their latrines and so far (cross my fingers) no problems or complaints. 

Due to the latrine project, we’ve had a substantial raise in participation in environmental committee activities.  We’ve had outstanding attendance at all the environmental trainings and workshops.  A neighboring community has started to help train in the  preparation of a seed called Ojushte that is native to El Salvador and specifically to our area.  The seed is highly nutritive, containing lots of vitamins and calcium and is super delicious.  All people involved in the latrine project have attended the ojushte trainings.

 In the beginning of last year, for our first cleanup campaign we had about 23 participants.  Before the latrine project we were on our 10th cleanup campaign never reaching over 105 participants.  This last cleanup campaign held on Earth day, April 22 we had an overwhelming participation of 160 men, women and children.  This is amazing taking that there are only 155 families accounted for in the community El Balsamar. 

 For me, the project has been very hard, but extremely successful and worth every single drop of sweat and penny contributed.  I am super pleased with how everything has worked out.  We plan to continue with house visits within the next couple of months to make sure the families are using the latrines properly and address any problems.  We are looking forward to another latrine project with the help of FIAES and possibly a Rotary grant to eventually fill the need of all 155 families in El Balsamar. 

 Thank you so much to each and every one of you for your contribution to this beautiful project.  God Bless you all with much much love,

Shannon N. Wilson
Voluntaria, Cuerpo de Paz

P.S. to see more photos visit www.http://shanitowilson.blogspot.com