“They used to go out the school premises to fetch water from the Barangay Hall,” recalls a teacher from Daraga, Albay. “This is such a convenience for the children and the community. We can clean our toilets now and our little kitchen corner.”
Today, EDUCO officially turned over its water system project to Bascaran Elementary School. This was part of the larger support for children’s education in Bicol region by the organization. EDUCO, a global NGO that works in education, governance, and child protection, has been in Bicol for over ten years working with schools and communities in upholding child rights.
In one school alone, over 500 children are to benefit from the water system. According to Project Coordinator Felix Ador, EDUCO is providing support worth over 9 million pesos to eight schools and communities in select municipalities of Albay and Camarines Sur. EDUCO expects all its water system projects to be turned over by April 2018.
Schools and communities, through an agreement with EDUCO, are committed to maintaining and sustaining the water system infrastructure. “We hope to have the water tested soon for potability,” said Principal Garciano Kikim.
In Barangay Bascaran, about 20% of households are listed as indigent by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Many families do not have access to clean water nor waste disposal facilities like a toilet. Barangay Captain Julius Duran notes that while malnutrition exists in his community, he noticed some improvement in recent years.
EDUCO’s efforts to realize children’s wellbeing in Bicol include supporting the establishment of basic needs for their survival and development. It also helps organize the users so that the school and community has a strong sense of ownership for their new water systems.
EDUCO also trains child and community leaders through its schools and local governments to ensure that future policies and program for children are sustained.#
More photos from the turnover ceremonies in Daraga can be viewed here.
