CAWST Consultant Shares Expertise with Safe Water Partners
Over the past 10 years, I have trained a number of groups in the construction of BioSand Filters and the organization of groups to implement these projects. I was trained at CAWST (Center for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology) in Calgary starting in 2000. With the improving security situation in Colombia, CAWST took advantage of a conference in Cartagena to visit CAPD initiated projects. Eva Manzano, their International Technical Adviser, travelled with me from November 20 to December 3 to provide expert advice on technical aspects and educational components such as clarity in establishing roles and responsibilities, effective training and facilitation skills, and ways to structure an organization for long term effectiveness. She took leadership and actively participated in delivery of many themes. Everyone learned a lot. In the Monteria area, the Rotarians organized a Saturday training workshop for leaders in a community about to receive filters. Some leaders traveled for 1.5 hours by motorcycle on muddy roads to attend. Eva really showed us how to focus on training goals and effective facilitation. Here you see Rotarian Tany Luz Padilla doing a part of the exercise and Jose Correna, participant, taking part in another interactive exercise.
Tany Luz addresses community leaders.
Jose explains one component of filter function.
On Sunday we visited families that have been using the filters for 2-4 years. Generally, families are happy with their filters and would not part with them since they realize it has improved family health. There were a number of issues that Eva identified that we will be working to correct since our goal is to give families a system that will last for 30 years. The filter box and sand are being promoted by CAWST as lasting 30 years, if properly installed. Fortunately Rocio Robayo, Ivan Castro and Edward Jaimes from Tunja, who are starting a pilot project near Tunja in Combita municipality, were able to join us on this learning experience.
Eduardo, Rocio & Maria review filter performance.
Eva, Bob & Rotarians admire work done.
After this weekend of training, Bob and Ivan traveled to Tunja, Boyaca to organize the training and start-up of the pilot project funded by CAPD in collaboration with Foundation FRPG, in Combita where 102 families will receive filters and training.Later that week, Eva, Edward and Rocio joined us to review roles and responsibilities of the various players involved in a project. Starting on Saturday, we sifted and washed filter media (sand from a rock crusher), mixed concrete, and poured the filter box. On Sunday, we met with the area water committees to explain the project and asked them to explain the water issues in their areas.
Planning in Tunja - Rocio, Ivan and Eva.
Sifting filter media - hard work!
Washing filter media.
Community leaders show us their water "reality".
Eva demonstrates filter media installation.
Workshop over, we pose with our working filter.
We took advantage of Eva’s presence to observe a professional in action. She led us in a very intense two and a half days – developing an agenda to fit various schedules, verifying filter media sources, training the maestro who will be building the filter boxes, training the men who will be preparing and installing filter media and preliminary training for the Community Coordinator. I later participated in a meeting with the Community Association Committee where the filters will be installed. Whew! A very intense few days! Bob
