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MANNAN TRIBE
SANITATION AND DRINKING WATER
PROJECT
Kozhimala - Western
Ghat Mountains
Kerala, South India
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Volunteers
needed to continue project from Feb/Mar 2010 |
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Background:
The Mannan tribe sanitation project is an offshoot
of the YOI
Mannan Tribe House building project. Our volunteers
were able to successfully complete the first phase of the
house building project in just 6 weeks and within budget.
The first "pukka" house was completed from scratch
for Sashi and his family of 5. The village settlement and
almost all tribals were very enthusiastic and many joined
hands with us in completing the house. The Mannan tribe "King"
also visited the house building site at various stages and
was very supportive of the project making sure our volunteers
were comfortable and had every assistance they needed. While
the project was going on, we noticed that the settlement lacked
basic sanitation facilities in general and that the only water
pumping system was abandoned due to lack of funds for repairs
and maintenance. YOI was able to contribute towards repairing
the water pump and some of the broken water pipelines. Seeing
the lack of sanitation facilities, volunteers were able to
build two outdoor toilets near the new house which would be
sufficient for 4 families.
Yearoutindia’s sanitation project at this site aims is to
build 77 permanent toilets with running water facilities throughout
the settlement on a need to need basis. There is also a need
for another 90 toilets in the nearby Murikattukudy Mannan
Settlement. The village officer and the locals have pledged
support towards this project. These toilets will be a vast
improvement upon the existing sanitation facilities, which
in most cases are outdoor sheds and open ground. We have built
30 new toilets and a toilets for teh tribal nursery so far
(Mar 2009). Volunteers are needed throughout the year for
this project.
About the Sanitation Project
This project will require new permanent toilets to be built
from scratch with suitable water supply and waste disposal
systems.
The toilets will be external structures as the Mannan tribal
customs don't allow for toilets attached to houses. The toilets
should be permanent with enough direct sunlight as few houses
have electricity; and adequate water supply and waste disposal
system. Septic tanks will be built and there will be the option
of over head water tanks for harvesting rain water during
the monsoon seasons. There will also be enough space for washing
and the structure will have sufficient ventilation and doors.
Wherever possible, toilets will be built between houses to
enable more than one family to share the facility. All building
materials and labor will be sourced locally therefore generating
business which supports the local economy.
Toilets and Bath facilities
The
settlement has very few toilets and existing ones
are temporary structures built from thatched coconut
leaves and are erected away from the houses. They
have no waste disposal system and usually the holes
are dug and covered when full. They are extremely
unhygienic and without proper waste disposal, leads
to spread of diseases and contamination of ground
water supplies.
The proposed new toilets will be built using cement
bricks, cement or corrugated iron sheet roofs and
on good granite foundation. There will be enough space
for toilets and shower/wash with ample ventilation,
doors and running water. Floors will be cement/red
oxide mix which provides water proofing and are easy
to maintain and clean.
Drinking
Water Projects.
Yearoutindia volunteers can also help build drinking
water facilities for the tribe. This includes help
with building water tanks, drinking water wells, laying
pipelines and building drinking water storage units
for families. During the monsoon season, rain water
harvesting can provide clean drinking water. Water
purification devices can also be installed to help
prevent the spread of water borne diseases and provide
clean and hygenic drinking water for the children
and families. Volunteers are needed throughout the
year to plan, design and implement these initiatives.
These are really worthwile projects and really make
a direct positive difference to the lives of the people
we are trying to help.
What
the volunteers will be doing ?
As a volunteer on this initiative you will be staying
on site and will build a close working relationship
with the tribal community including the families for
whom the house and toilets are being built. You will
also work closely with other volunteers and YOI staff,
giving you the chance to gain extensive knowledge
of new cultures and perhaps even languages. In addition
you will enjoy the unique experience of working in
the beautiful area surrounding the beautiful Western
Ghat Mountain Ranges.
The work is ongoing and volunteers can start throughout
the year depending on volunteer positions available.
We take only 2-3 volunteers per project to ensure
personal commitment to the project and the community
you work for. For this reason our placement positions
get booked up early.
Volunteers can stay with tribal families where ever
possible or also stay at the house we built earlier
during the project. YOI staff will be present on site
at all times to help with the project. Special dietary
requirements can be accommodated. After work activities
will be in the form of treks, camp fires, BBQ's, games,
bamboo rafting etc etc.
This
project will greatly benefit the tribal community
and also has much to offer the volunteers :
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A
unique opportunity to work amongst tribal people
and to learn about their culture and way of life. |
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Take
part in the very unusual and colourful Annual
tribal festival in March. |
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The
satisfaction of creating permanent homes for two
families. |
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The
joy of working in an area of outstanding natural
beauty in the Western Ghat Mountain ranges. |
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A
chance to build life-long friendships with people
from all walks of life. |
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A
chance to improve your DIY skills! |
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* It's a challenging project
that require volunteers to be resourceful, committed,
self motivated and will definitely involve long hours
of work with plenty of excitement and fun. You will
be involved in planning, organising and building activities
with the help of a team of volunteers, local laborers
and members of the community. Please note that the project
area is remote and basic facilities will be provided
by Yearoutindia. Amenities like Internet, ATM's, Fax
etc are only available at the nearest town which is
30 minutes bus ride away.
Program Costs:
The program cost depend on duration of placement &
time of the year. Please contact a coordinator for exact
costs. Volunteers coming for 4 week duration can build
1-2 toilets for two needy families. Volunteers will
also assist the YOI staff in managing the funds, paying
daily wages and procuring materials needed for the building
work. Volunteers are encouraged to fundraise for this
project if they can, to take on more building / community
development work at this project site. |
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Contact
the YOI support team at: info@yearoutindia.com
Call:
+91 484 4020040 (India office) +91 9447231853,
UK Tel: 0845 463 1571, 07092 233122 Fax: 07092 380001
©2005-2009 Yearoutindia. All rights reserved.
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