MANNAN TRIBE SANITATION PROJECT
Kozhimala - Western Ghat Mountains
Kerala, South India

 

Volunteers needed to continue project.



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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.

Yearoutinda’s sanitation project aim is to build 10 permanent toilets with running water facilities throughout the settlement on a need to need basis. 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.

About the 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 wahing and the structure will have sufficient ventilation and doors. Wherever possible, toilets will be build 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 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 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 maintainand clean.

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 building work should start as soon as possible. We need a min of 2-3 volunteers by the start as soon as possible to help with management and building work on-site.

Volunteers can stay with tribal families where ever possible or even stay at the first house during the project as a paying guest which would provide the family with extra earnings. 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 :

A unique opportunity to work amongst tribal people and to learn about their culture and way of life.
Take part in the very unusual and colourful Annual tribal festival in March.
The satisfaction of creating permanent homes for two families.
The joy of working in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the Western Ghat Mountain ranges.
A chance to build life-long friendships with people from all walks of life.
A chance to improve your DIY skills!

 

 

Incomplete Toilets
Existing Water Supply

* 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, mobile reception, Fax etc are only available at the Yearoutindia house in Kumily which is 2 hours drive away.

Program Costs:

The program cost for 5 Weeks of volunteering will be GBP £650.00, of which majority goes directly towards the building costs and labour. The remaining covers program related costs: all food, accommodation, project-related transport, staff and project maintenance etc.Volunteers will also assist the YOI staff in managing the funds and paying daily wages and materials needed for the building work.

Total project cost for both the sanitation project and the second house including all building materials, labour and basic furniture is estimated at around GBP £2650.00 which will be raised before the actual building work starts. Volunteers are encouraged to fundraise for this project if they can.


Contact the YOI support team at: info@yearoutindia.com
Call: +91 484 4020040 (India Head office) Fax: +91 484 4020041, UK Tel: 07092 233122 Fax: 07092 380001
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