REFUGEES TAKE ON USER-CENTRED DESIGNED HOUSEHOLD LATRINES

Our HIF-funded project is one that is geared towards the adaption and use of rapid community engagement methodologies to understand sanitation needs and practices of communities affected by emergencies. The project targets an estimate of 400 households that are to benefit from latrine materials in accordance with the user centred design, and it is being implemented in two settlements: Imvepi and Bidibidi.

To-date, the Welthungerhilfe team have consulted over 400 beneficiaries who have had an opportunity to share their ideas and contributions towards the user-centred design approach. It is hoped that this project will inform and generate lessons for partners implementing sanitation and hygiene activities in emergency situations.

For some of the beneficiaries, the joy of being consulted and involved in the process makes them take up on the ownership right from the start.

Lorna Kiden, who is 76 years old, is one of the refugees who was settled in Imvepi refugee settlement in 2016 and has been sharing a latrine with her neighbours and has been selected as a person with special need.
“I have been sharing with the neighbours before and I was not comfortable, it was an inconvenience to the neighbours. I am happy that my latrine being constructed by Welthungerhilfe incorporates my ideas, because I have been consulted many times,” said Lorna.

Lorna adds that through the trainings provided by the hygiene promoters she has been able to learn basic sanitation and hygiene practices like hand washing.

Feature photo: 76 year old Lorna Kiden stands infront of her completed latrine in Imvepi Refugee settlement. Photo by Eluk Kevin / Welthungerhilfe - Uganda