Grant Status: February 2021 when the Global Grant for Jocotenango’s Education for the Children school (EFTC) was approved, we thought we would be finished by February 2022. Unfortunately we still have one outstanding issue. 

Outstanding issue:  involves recurring algae growth in the in-line filtration system. During the mid-winter break, the Rotary Club of Guatemala Sur arranged to relocate the Sawyer filter. Many thanks to Ron Denham of WASH for his technical advice and to the Guatemala Sur Rotarians (Franky Viau and Alfonso Alejos) who worked with the plumbing contractor during the Christmas holiday. When the 500 students return in mid-January we should know if this revision is successful.

We appreciate the funding and confidence placed in us by the Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach, Beaches Rotaract, District 6970 and Rotary International. Our Grant would not have been approved without the engineering support from University of North Florida, College of Engineering and their professional mentors. 

ReCap:  Tank House and Pump House constructed:

• Pump house includes 2 pumps, 2 hydrostatic tanks, pre-filter and chlorinating system

• Three water systems:  Rain water capture, storage and piping to bathrooms for toilet flushing

• Municipal water directed to taps where soap is used: hand-washing, dish-washing

• Potable: Chlorinated and Filtered municipal water for bottle filling stations, cooking and drinking

• 38,000 liters of water storage. (30,000 liters- new tanks, 8000 liters updated)

• Handicap Bathroom constructed for wheelchair bound student

• Sanitary sewer connection upgraded, adding a grease trap to the gray water discharge line

• Bathrooms updated to provide more privacy and dignity, especially for menstrual age girls

• Training: Hygiene, dental health, chlorination and chlorine testing, system monitoring and maintenance

• Outstanding/related issues: Controlling algae in filtration and stabling residual chlorine levels 

Completion Estimate:  95% complete with the Jocotenango EFTC Project, target date for close February 2023. 

Potential upcoming project:  Last February, I joined Franky Viau and Alfonso Alejos of Rotary Club of Guatemala Sur to visit a potential project in Pamanzana, Tecpán, (Northern Chimaltenango, Guatemala). Prior to COVID the school had 120 students, and has been closed for over two years. Within the WASH framework, the school appears to need a permanent water source/connection, water storage/ treatment, septic system and upgrades to the bathrooms and kitchen. A thorough site assessment will be required. 

With every WASH project we are more aware of the need for Vocational Technical Training,  perhaps something similar to the Circuit Rider model used in Honduras. Peace Corps may be able to help with the training, if Rotary could purchase some of the laboratory equipment and maintenance tools. 

"Esperando que empieces el año nuevo con el pie derecho". Hoping you start the new year on the right foot. (AKA Best Wishes for 2023)

~WASH-RAG edited for length and content. December 2022