5 min read

Renewed Hope for the Bevaro 2 Community

October 22, 2024
by Medair
Madagascar
Ravosoa shares her journey in Bevaro 2, where community training on WASH practices transformed health and hygiene, fostering unity and hope for a brighter future.

My name is Ravosoa, I am 35 years old, married, and a mother of five children. I live in Bevaro 2, a small village that, like many others, faced significant challenges in hygiene and health. Two months ago, I had the opportunity to participate in a training on the WSP approach offered by Medair. This is the story of how learning – and sharing – essential WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) practices has transformed our community.

A transformative training

Before the training, we were poorly informed about best practices in WASH. We knew that we needed to improve hygiene conditions, but we didn't really know how to go about it. Thanks to Medair, we learned essential practices like Handwashing with Soap, Establishment of Handwashing Stations, Water Management and Storage, Boiling Water Before Drinking, Use of Clean Latrines, Personal Hygiene. As members of the WSP committee, our role was to pass this knowledge on to our neighbors and guide them in implementing the new practices.

Photo of Ravosoa during a group assignment for the WSP committees, during the WSP capitalization session © Medair/Laricha RAJAONIRINA

Concrete and visible changes

The results have been remarkable! Families have embraced the new knowledge – rehabilitating their latrines and showers, adopting safe water practices, and using watermakers (water treatment products).  They've recognized the health benefits, leading to a significant reduction in diarrhea cases and noticeable improvements in children’s health. Hygiene-related anxiety has vanished.

In the past, people would relieve themselves in the open, leaving visible and unpleasant traces. But today, this has all vanished. The area has been cleaned, and every family now uses their own latrines, which they maintain in pristine condition. They almost look brand new!

Photo of Ravosoa and Carine TIAHO (RDS Wash from Medair) during the certificate presentation to WSP committee members © Medair/Laricha RAJAONIRINA

A village united for change

I’m particularly proud of the progress our village has made. Not only have we  improved our living conditions, but we have also strengthened our sense of community around this shared goal. The efforts we have put in together show how initiatives like those from Medair can truly transform lives.

Gratitude and hope

I want to express my gratitude to Medair. Thanks to your support, our community has made great strides forward. We sincerely hope your efforts will continue, and that other villages can benefit from this invaluable support. A heartfelt thank you!

Photo of Ravosoa holding the certificate awarded to her village © Medair/Laricha RAJAONIRINA

Medair services in the South of Madagascar are funded by UNICEF and private donors.
This content was produced with resources gathered by Medair field and headquarters staff. The views expressed herein are those solely of Medair and should not be taken, in any way, to reflect the official opinion of any other organisation.  
October 22, 2024
Interested in stories like these?

Subscribe to receive the latest stories directly to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree with our Privacy Policy.

Become part of the story

There are so many ways you can make a meaningful difference for people affected by emergencies. However you get involved, your support will go a long way to bringing hope and restoration to people who need it most.

More stories of impact

Browse our publications, reports, updates, and stories.

Don’t Look Away: The story of Aisha

Feed a child. Save a life. Now that’s a gift worth giving.

Don’t Look Away : The story of Sami

It's not just a gift, it's a meal that saves a life!

Finding Peace Within: MHPSS Assistance in Eastern Ukraine

Medair provides mental health and psychosocial support to conflict-affected communities in eastern Ukraine.