| Gloria Dei Helps ILAG with Dry Latrines | ||
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Through Somos Amigos activities and projects on Sunday mornings we have shared letters, books, school supplies, money, prayers and personal health kits with our friends in Guatemala. We are now being asked to send toilets!! Why Toilets? The health of its members, both
urban and rural, is an ongoing ministry of ILAG. Marginal living conditions can
often mean unsanitary conditions where sickness spreads quickly. Our Saint Paul
Area Synod is focusing on primary prevention of illness through
public health initiatives. Education and the training of health promoters is at the
heart of this but another important initiative called
El Año del Baño or The Year of the
Bathroom will build dry latrines. What is a Dry Latrine? A dry ecological latrine is a practical solution to sustainable human waste management. A dry latrine: - Is above the ground - Does not need water - Is inexpensive to build - Is useful when ground water is close to the surface - Can convert waste into compost materials - Requires education and waste treatment with lime, wood ash, or dry leaves Other St. Paul Area Synod churchs are helping with this project. Our Sunday School children and their families are being asked to help with this important mission by bringing an offering each week. This offering will be designated to help build latrines. One latrine costs $330.00. Can you imagine life without a toilet? Families—talk about the consequences of having no toilet in your house. Links: http://www.spas-elca.org/sites/default/files/files/ILAGNewsletter_2010Summer.pdf |
