New water system at The School of Hope

We are excited to share about our new WASH system on this year’s #WorldWaterDay!  

The Rotary Wash Project started in 2019, with funding support from three separate rotary clubs: Ponte Verde Beach from Florida, Guatemala del Sur in Guatemala City, and Beaches Rotaract, and a global grant from Rotary International.  The infrastructure was designed by engineering students at the University of North Florida.  Overall the project took over three years and cost over £34,000.

Now in 2022, we have a wonderful, sustainable water system.  The large water storage tanks next to our sports pitch can hold 30,000 litres of water.  This allows the school to have water access for up to two days if there is a municipal outage.  An industrial water purifying system was also installed making drinkable water available from all the taps which were placed in and around the school.  5 new water bottle filling stations have been installed so students have better access to clean water and a space outside of bathrooms to wash their hands.  One of the water tanks will be filled by rainwater during Guatemala’s rainy season and the recycled water will be used to flush toilets.  

Not only does the new water system give better access to clean water in school but it also gives our girls and disabled students better provision. The project created a disabled accessible bathroom and a larger area in the girls restrooms specifically for menstruation needs such as a sink and feminine hygiene products.  Both of these improvements help to stop students from missing school.   

Thank you to all the people who were part of making this project happen.  We are reminded today, on International World Water Day, that access to clean water is a human right that is necessary for everyone to live a dignified life.