A Remarkable Journey Towards Hygiene and Hope in Bule District of SNNPR

Empowering Dreams: A Remarkable Journey Towards Hygiene and Hope in Bule District of SNNPR

From Garden to basic sanitary latrine utilization: Yenenesh Worku’s Path to Improved Hygiene and Health

Nestled in the heart of Bule Woreda’s tranquil Osolena Majo kebele, an inspiring tale of transformation and empowerment takes center stage. Yenenesh Worku, a spirited and tenacious 26-year-old mother, has constructed a narrative of resilience and change that extends well beyond the boundaries of her own family. Amidst the idyllic surroundings of her charming home, Yenenesh’s journey comes to life, encapsulated in a headline that aptly captures the essence of her incredible odyssey:

“Empowering Dreams: From Garden to Basic latrine utilization–A Woman’s Odyssey Towards Health and Happiness.”

The genesis of this story traces back to a simple knock on Yenenesh’s door one morning. Population Media Center-Ethiopia (PMC-E) donated by UNICEF and implemented a WASH nutrition project in collaboration with woreda and town administration health, education, women, and children affairs and water and energy offices. Its objective is community demand generation on the six WASH elements.

A team from PMC-E arrived, eager to witness the profound impacts of the UNICEF/PMC-E’s WASH Nutrition project that had been unfolding for over a year and nine months. This ambitious initiative aimed to introduce clean water, improved sanitation, effective hygiene practices, enhanced latrine construction and utilization, waste management, and other essential WASH elements into households like Yenenesh’s. Little did she anticipate that this encounter would serve as the catalyst for her narrative to inspire her community and reverberate even further.

With a gleam of anticipation in her eyes, Yenenesh fondly recollects the transformative effect of PMC-E’s WASH campaigns on her life. These campaigns ignited a fervor within her, equipping her with knowledge about constructing and maintaining latrines, the vital art of handwashing, and the transformative power of sound hygiene practices. This newfound wisdom resonated deeply within Yenenesh, compelling her to embark on a journey to build a proper and dignified toilet facility for her family.

As Yenenesh passionately asserts, “Armed with the insights I gained, I was resolute about making a difference. I took the initiative to construct a toilet featuring a Sato Pan, ensuring its cleanliness and stocking it with water and soap for proper hand hygiene. This change transcended ordinary hygiene; it was about shielding my children from preventable diseases stemming from inadequate sanitation practices. My heartfelt gratitude goes to the PMC-E project, supported by UNICEF, for empowering me to undergo this remarkable transformation.

Yenenesh’s narrative resonated beyond her personal experience. Felekech Assefa, once bound to a life revolving around her garden, now radiates with pride as she recounts her own evolution from unimproved to basic sanitation latrine. She speaks of banishing foul odors and eliminating health risks that once plagued her family. The newfound emphasis on hygiene not only brought comfort but also ushered in a fresh understanding of waste management and environmental stewardship.

What was once a mundane bathroom routine has evolved into an intricate practice of personal hygiene, with lessons in cleanliness echoing through her family. Her gratitude for the impact of Population Media Center Ethiopia’s WASH campaigns is palpable: “Years of dedicated campaigning have equipped me with invaluable knowledge. I shielded my family from illnesses through proper toilet practices and meticulous hand hygiene, especially during critical times like the harsh rainy season/summer. This wisdom has become a safeguard against waterborne diseases.”

Behind these individual stories of change lies a collaborative endeavor propelled by dedicated hearts. Abdulfeta Regassa, the focal person for Sanitation WASH at Bule Woreda Health Office, eloquently conveys the profound influence of PMC-E’s initiatives. Over the course of one year and nine months, more than 72 WASH campaigns breathed life into the community’s hygiene awareness. The Woreda bore witness to transformation, with two kebeles achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and five more on the verge of graduation. PMC-E’s efforts also led to the distribution of over 684 Sato Pans, a response driven by community demand and PMC-E’s mobilization endeavors.

In bustling Kebeles 01, 02, and 03 of Bule town, the metamorphosis is palpable. The dedication of installation of Sato Pans has been embraced with enthusiasm, while locally constructed public latrines stand as symbols of collective progress. However, the ripples of change extend beyond sanitation; UNICEF/PMC-E’s influence has touched Bule’s educational landscape. Misconceptions surrounding menstrual hygiene have receded, and boys have joined hands to create a supportive environment for girls. As school attendance rises, dropout rates decline, and academic performance soars, the tangible results of this transformation are undeniable.

In the heart of Bule Woreda, amid smiles and stories of metamorphosis, lies a testament to the power of knowledge, action, and collaboration. Through the steadfast efforts of Population Media Center, supported by UNICEF, and the unwavering spirits of individuals like Yenenesh, Felekech, and others, what was once a challenging journey from a garden to a sanctuary has blossomed into a beacon of hope for healthier, more joyful and productive lives.

(Additional Information and Facts about Bule Woreda) Bule, situated in the Gedio zone of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) in Ethiopia, encompasses eighteen kebeles. The district health office has embarked on a mission to eradicate open defecation by promoting sanitation and hygiene practices within the communities. The data from the health office indicates that eight kebeles have been targeted to achieve open defecation-free (ODF) status, signifying universal access to and utilization of basic and improved latrines. Among these, five kebeles have successfully met the ODF criteria and are poised for official recognition via a secondary verification process. Additionally, two kebeles have already undergone secondary verification and await their ODF certificates. The remaining kebele is currently undergoing primary verification, involving a household survey and an environmental assessment. The district health office remains dedicated to ensuring that all targeted kebeles attain the ODF status, contributing to the national ODF campaign.