Jamaica

This project is the second phase of a planned project to rebuild the school water fountain to optimal functionality. In the prior project, which was completed successfully, the drainage system for the hand washing fountain for the Elderslie Primary & Junior High School was rebuilt. To read about it, CLICK HERE.

Location
Elderslie, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica

Community Description
Elderslie, Jamaica is a rural community in the western hills of Jamaica’s Cockpit Country, about an hour and a half by car south of Montego Bay. You can read more about the community by going to the project page for the prior project.

Project Description
This project is to rebuild the hand washing fountain structure and the water supply system at the primary and elementary school.

Currently, there is deterioration of the existing structure, and leaks in the aging water supply piping, with a resultant waste of potable water.

The project will involve the jack hammering of the top section of concrete of the fountain basin, and the removal of the leaking galvanized pipe from the structure.

New piping and new fittings will be purchased and installed by a local plumber. A mason will then be contracted to reform the concrete structure around the newly installed pipe. Lastly, one of the eight valves will be replaced, as it is faulty and leaking.

Project Impact
The project will benefit 300 students and 23 staff members at the school, with secondary impact of improved sanitary conditions among the whole community.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Chris Robertson

Comments
This follow-up project demonstrates Water Charity's methodology of completing small planned projects in sequence, building upon the success of the prior phases. It ensures the access of a large number of students to clean drinking water.

Dollar Amount of Project
$241.71

Donations Collected to Date
$0.00

ADOPT THIS PROJECT BY CONTRIBUTING THE DOLLAR AMOUNT NEEDED BELOW

Donations of any amount will be appreciated. The full amount will give you "naming rights", if that is something you would like.

Any contributions in excess of the Dollar Amount of Project will be allocated to other projects directed by this PCV and/or projects of other PCVs in this country.

Dollar Amount Needed
$241.71

Location
Mt. Airy District, Mocho Mountains, Clarendon Parish, Jamaica

Community Description
Mt. Airy is a small rural upland farming community in the Mocho Mountains of Clarendon Parish, Jamaica. The widespread mining for bauxite (used to make aluminum) in the last half of the 20th century has destroyed much of the prime agricultural land. This, coupled with the effects of climate change (i.e. prolonged drought, severe storms), has left the people without their traditional livelihood, and consequently less self-sufficient.

Even in the absence of extreme weather, research conducted in 2005 for a national sanitation policy shows that 61 percent of Jamaican schools do not have safe water supply.

Much of Mocho lacks piped water, and domestic catchment water is rarely treated. Many residents live in homes that cannot withstand the severe storms that the area has suffered from in recent years.

During these times of crisis, the schools, operating with minimal resources, function as disaster shelters. However, after a hurricane, water from the schools’ catchment tanks is considered unsafe to drink unless treated.

Project Description
This project is to construct a biosand water filter, including concrete platform and necessary plumbing, at the Mt. Airy Primary School in Mocho, Clarendon Parish, Jamaica.

Biosand filters are an appropriate technology that uses sand and gravel to filter water, rendering it potable. This works by both trapping pathogens and sediment and by cultivating beneficial bacteria that consumes harmful pathogens. Final sterilization is accomplished with a minimal amount of bleach.

The basic design, including sand grain size and layer thickness is that recommended by the Center for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST). The sand has been donated by a local sand company, and is pre-washed and sorted.

The design uses a 50 gallon blue plastic drum to contain the sand. After the water passes through the filter, it will be stored in another 50 gallon drum. This storage drum will be equipped with a pipe to allow easy access to the clean water. Lids will also be constructed for the filter and the storage drum.

Rainwater will be harvested from the rooftops. The 50 gallon storage tank will filled twice daily (in the morning and at night) to provide water to the approximately 250 students, teachers and staff.

The community will donate all the needed labor for this project, including transportation of construction materials.

Projects funds will pay for the remainder of the construction materials. A minimal amount will be used for informational materials to increase the effectiveness and compliance in the use of the filters.

The project will be incorporated into a community training series sponsored by a local Community Based Organization (CBO), the Mocho Community Development Association (MCDA). To facilitate this, informational brochures for each student and interested community members are included in the project budget.

Project Impact
This project will provide clean drinking water to the students, teachers and staff at a primary school in Mocho, and will serve approximately 250 individuals.

Also, with this filter, the school will be able to provide potable water to the wider community following any severe storms, when many water supplies are contaminated and when safe water is most needed. Indirectly, this project will also benefit the community, as it will demonstrate biosand filtration technology.

A final benefit will be to the MCDA, as its volunteer trainers will gain experience and the organization will boost its community profile.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
David Ingleman

Comments
This is a project that can serve as a demonstration of the effectiveness of the technology in Jamaica. As such, it can be replicated by other Peace Corps Volunteers facing similar water filtration problems in the areas in which they serve.

Biosand filters have been shown to be one of the most effective methods for removing drinking water contaminants at the point of service. A proven technology has been modified to meet the local supply sources and needs.

Please use the Donate button below to indicate your desire that your donation be used for this project.

Dollar Amount of Project
$422.25

Donations Collected to Date
$0.00

ADOPT THIS PROJECT BY CONTRIBUTING THE DOLLAR AMOUNT NEEDED BELOW

Donations of any amount will be appreciated. The full amount will give you "naming rights", if that is something you would like.

Any contributions in excess of the Dollar Amount of Project will be allocated to other projects directed by this PCV and/or projects of other PCVs in this country.

Dollar Amount Needed
$422.25

Location
Chapelton & Summerfield, Clarendon, Jamaica, West Indies

Community Description
The two communities involved in this project are the St. Augustine's Place of Safety and the Summerfield Boys Homes. These are two children's homes in Clarendon.

Neither home has a proper disposal system for the waste created by daily activities. Trash is currently burned, which is unhealthful and environmentally damaging.

Project Description
This project is to build two 4x4x4 metal trash skips and install them properly at the two group children’s homes, in locations suitable for collection by the National Solid Waste Management Agency.

Project Impact
The project will create a safe and sanitary trash disposal system that will impact upon the health and safety of the 120 children at the two homes, as well as the environment of the surrounding communities.

Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Kimberly Sweeney

Comments
A project does not have to be complicated to be meaningful and successful. An unhealthful condition was identified by the administration and the community as being of top importance for the welfare of the children and the community. This simple solution will improve the environment for a number of people for a very small dollar amount.

Dollar Amount of Project
$300.00

Donations Collected to Date
$0.00

ADOPT THIS PROJECT BY CONTRIBUTING THE DOLLAR AMOUNT NEEDED BELOW

Donations of any amount will be appreciated. The full amount will give you "naming rights", if that is something you would like.

Any contributions in excess of the Dollar Amount of Project will be allocated to other projects directed by this PCV and/or projects of other PCVs in this country.

Dollar Amount Needed
$300.00