The power of students

First there was the project work in Nepal (January 2013) – to make a kit for the local team to help them site all the components of the toilet and waster water system. This is critical as the land size is minimal and siting difficult.

The students made cue cards to help explain the siting to village families, then full scale templates of each component and a ‘sketch’ model, made with local bits and pieces, helped link the templates to the cue cards.

Now, nine months on, a variety of models have been produced by the students, to improve the result.

OK so what difference has this group of students made? 

– a siting kit used regularly by the local Nepali team that reduces siting time and improves accuracy

– the students were working alongside plumbers from various international trade and training groups and these groups have gone on to support similar sanitation work in 4 countries including Nepal – the enthusiasm of the students helped

– more students have now seen the work produced and have asked to join the next project.

Not bad for just over a weeks work!

The next step maybe convincing Universities to integrate these types of projects into the course structure. This group funded the visit and Healthabitat and CHDS Nepal provided the on-ground project and support.  Universities being involved, and lending their support, will help the students, the courses and the greater community.

The four ‘revised’ models that have been made between January and October 2013 are shown below. 

The preferred model, for use by the CHDS Nepal team, is shown below. It is 3D printed, small, compact, robust and highly detailed.

Thanks to all involved in the thinking and production of these models.