Did you know that 4.5 billion people worldwide live without a safe toilet, and 892 million people still practice open defecation? The United Nations has launched an initiative to ensure that everyone, everywhere has access to toilets by 2030.* Joining with our partners in Guatemala, New Castle Presbytery is working to make this dream a reality.
In 2017, we officially launched our Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) Latrine project. These VIP latrines are designed specifically for the Highlands of Guatemala and directly benefit the women in the Association of Mam Christian Women for Development.
These VIP latrines:
- Reduce spread of disease due to bacteria-carrying flies
- Do not smell
- Increase privacy and security for women and girls
- Will last 7 years for a family of 5
- Can be moved and used again
- Are manufactured and installed by Guatemalans using local materials
Total Cost for VIP Latrine: $400
(Recipient pays $40, Donor pays $360)
The total cost per latrine is $400. The recipient family is required to invest $40 and is also responsible for digging the pit over which the latrine structure will be built. Donors contribute the remaining $360. To date, we have sponsored more than 100 latrines. Thank you for your support!
World Toilet Day
In celebration of World Toilet Day on November 19, we assembled a slideshow of “before and after” latrine photos, to celebrate the progress of our partners!
Enter Tippy Taps!
A latrine, however, is only half the story of improved sanitation. Tippy Taps are no-touch, hand-washing stations that can be assembled next to a latrine, using readily-accessible materials. Watch this demonstration on how to use a Tippy Tap: