A team from ChildFund Laos recently visited our center to learn about rain water collection. We also taught them about dry composting toilets. They are working to help a community in the mountains that does not have enough water for washing or drinking. Here are some things they and I learned on their field trip: Rainwater collection: • is done everywhere in Thailand • most villagers have their own collection at home. • annual tank cleaning is not needed but • rain gutters should be cleaned annually • rain must fall 2 - 6 weeks before collecting rain water. • leaves should be caught with a screen • after a tank is full the lid should be closed and the water sit for 2 weeks before drinking. • We calculated how big a water tank needs to be to keep water for a family for a year. • Most Lao people do not drink rain water: they are not used to it. • Many Lao villagers boil their drinking water • We drank delicious rain water.
Geoffrey gave some development principles: • When introducing a new technology to villagers, staff should use it and believe in it first. • When introducing a new technology do a pilot project first carefully with a careful selection of the target group. • Seeing is believing. • Pilot projects with staff is a good strategy. • Things take time; good development takes several years • When doing something new, mistakes are normal. Plan to learn from mistakes. • Consider the big picture: • what is the history of water in our area? • what is the history of the people? • has there always been a water problem? • what is the "carrying capacity" of the area? • How many people can the environment support?
I was honored and proud to be chosen to introduce ChildFund Lao to rain water collection for drinking. I explained how dry composting toilets can reduce the need for water and produce fertilizer. Child Fund is interested in dry toilets and wants us to keep them informed about our project. I was happy to see their staff so interested and asking many questions and sharing their experience and giving their opinions. I think they have some very good staff. I'm happy to serve ChildFund and hope that we can work together to improve the lives of Laotian villagers in Xieng Kuang. I sent them off with some bottles of Rain Water, home brew, vintage 2011.
A team from ChildFund Laos recently visited our center to learn about rain water collection. We also taught them about dry composting toilets. They are working to help a community in the mountains that does not have enough water for washing or drinking. Here are some things they and I learned on their field trip:
ReplyDeleteRainwater collection:
• is done everywhere in Thailand
• most villagers have their own collection at home.
• annual tank cleaning is not needed but
• rain gutters should be cleaned annually
• rain must fall 2 - 6 weeks before collecting rain water.
• leaves should be caught with a screen
• after a tank is full the lid should be closed and the water sit for 2 weeks before drinking.
• We calculated how big a water tank needs to be to keep water for a family for a year.
• Most Lao people do not drink rain water: they are not used to it.
• Many Lao villagers boil their drinking water
• We drank delicious rain water.
Geoffrey gave some development principles:
• When introducing a new technology to villagers, staff should use it and believe in it first.
• When introducing a new technology do a pilot project first carefully with a careful selection of the target group.
• Seeing is believing.
• Pilot projects with staff is a good strategy.
• Things take time; good development takes several years
• When doing something new, mistakes are normal. Plan to learn from mistakes.
• Consider the big picture:
• what is the history of water in our area?
• what is the history of the people?
• has there always been a water problem?
• what is the "carrying capacity" of the area?
• How many people can the environment support?
I was honored and proud to be chosen to introduce ChildFund Lao to rain water collection for drinking. I explained how dry composting toilets can reduce the need for water and produce fertilizer. Child Fund is interested in dry toilets and wants us to keep them informed about our project. I was happy to see their staff so interested and asking many questions and sharing their experience and giving their opinions. I think they have some very good staff. I'm happy to serve ChildFund and hope that we can work together to improve the lives of Laotian villagers in Xieng Kuang. I sent them off with some bottles of Rain Water, home brew, vintage 2011.