Program Solution
Wherever the Need India Services (WTNIS) engages urban and rural households and schools on sanitation and hygiene related issues. Prior to the development of infrastructure, it engages these groups through household visits, focus group discussions and classroom-based training. Following the development of initial ‘hygiene seeking behavior’, it works to develop eco-san facilities i
n these communities and schools, and monitors the usage of these facilites. The facilities divert urine and f***l matter separately into storage containers; the organization accordingly collects this matter following their detoxification, and provides the same to farmers. Preliminary results indicate that the use of this compost positively impacts agricultural yields. The organization is also exploring the use of these fertilizers to cultivate spirulina, in order to provide effective nutritive supplementation for malnourished children who live in slums. Within the urban context, the organization has developed a portable eco-toilet, that can be installed in slum communities. Portability is essential due to the fact that land tenure for slum dwellers is uncertain, while in the rural context and in schools, WTNIS develops permanent structures. WTNIS also focuses on developing awareness on effective menstrual hygiene management, and develops incinerators in girls’ schools to foster the safe disposal of sanitary napkins.
