Esperanza was trying to hold back the tears in her eyes as she expressed gratitude for her improved latrine. She and her family live in extreme poverty. Their house is made of corrugated tin. They have lived here for 13 years on land that is not theirs. There is not even space nor conditions for growing their own food.
We were visiting her after some of the worst rains and flooding that El Salvador has experienced and the land around her house was muddy and damp. The family lives in an isolated area of Usulutan, El Salvador, with barely a road to reach their house.
Employment is extremely difficult to come by here and Esperanza’s husband does whatever he can, when he can find work.
This improved latrine was not a gift. Kenoli partner Association Mangle, provided the materials, and Esperanza’s husband and his brother provided the labour. Their workmanship is excellent.
While a latrine may seem pretty basic to us, it provides a level of dignity for Esperanza and her family that they have not had before.
We saw other families that also benefitted from Association Mangle’s support. Maria Olga was able to improve her chicken coop with a cement base and chicken wire. This protects the chickens and helps keep them healthy during extreme weather events. The chickens provide eggs and meat for the family and the excess is sold to generate income.
Where once there was only mud and dirt, Verginia and her husband now have a raised cement patio and floor. Their oven has been repaired. They told us how much these simple house improvements made their lives better.
Gerson was able to grow healthy corn thanks to the training that he received. He, his wife and young daughter work this plot of land to produce enough corn for their needs and even have a surplus for sale.
Association Mangle is making a difference in the lives of these families living in poverty and extreme poverty. And the families are showing strength, determination and resilience to overcome the many challenges they face.
Vera Radyo & Ken Phillips