I have done several latrine projects in my service, something that came very much as a surprise to me. However, when approached by a villager, I find myself unable to say no because it is such a simple need that I can help fulfill; I can write a grant to get funds for the materials whereas the villages I do them in, already have the knowledge and capacity to construct them but lack the money to do so (often it is being spent or saved for other things). Therefore, after initially saying no because of my involvement with other projects, the persistence and hospitality of the women's group president finally made me agree, despite of the tight timeline due to the upcoming rainy season (you can't build latrines during the rainy season because the holes will collapse and the cement will not set properly). So, having a motivated work partner, the former host mom of a volunteer who has since completed her service and did not get replaced in village, I was able to get materials for 10 latrines in the community and see their completion thanks to another grant from the Water Charity.
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