Health -
YUM's challenge to raise awareness about the health and environmental benefits of latrines continues in Central Kalimantan communities, as many families still pursue the practice of 'open defecation'.
Implemented in August 2008 using a technique called Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), YUM's Community-Led Total Sanitation Project (CLTS) aims to build self-awareness and social pressure to live in a more sanitary environment and eradicate open-defecation.
"Before I had a toilet, I had to walk about a hundred yards to the nearest ditch. Now, I feel more comfortable because I have my own toilet and that I know, from the sessons given by YUM, that my famiy's and my own health is a lot more controlled."
Dakri (community member of the Habaring Hurung village)
Positive changes in behavior and habit have been seen among households, with three villages building their own latrines as part of the first CLTS phase.
However, despite positive responses from some community members, a lot more work remains ahead of YUM's CLTS team as many families are yet to understand that open-defecation can contribute to subsequent health problems.
"No need latrine! I don't have a latrine because my house close to the ditch. It's easier to defecate in the ditch!"
Sarginem (community member of the Habaring Hurung village)
With the support of a team of volunteers and community members who have formed an Open Defecation Free (ODF) campaign, YUM remains committed to helping educate and encourage behavioural change for the long-term benefit of these communities.
