The construction of water system itself cannot reduce prevalence of water-borne diseases and improve the quality of living. Provision of sanitation facilities, environmental health education, protection of micro-watershed areas and strengthening of local and municipal capacity must be included in the project.
CARE considers that in order to attain sustainability of the investments made in the development of water and sanitation programs and to improve the health of the Honduran people, it is necessary to develop and enhance the capacities and skills of the community leaders. Women from the communities are actively participating and are being trained in basic plumbing and watershed protective skills. Municipal leaders are encouraging community participation in a more conscientious and active way, so that they may generate attitude changes, as well as new behaviors regarding system administration.
It has been our experience that it is only possible if a true educational process is facilitated, in its role as administrator, during the execution of the specific strengthening system. In the context of the Rio San Juan project, CARE will monitor the work of La Mamuca with the communities and carry out training sessions that respond to the needs of the technical personnel. The capacity building process should include several knowledge transfer methodologies, such as theoretical classes, learning while doing, and exchange of experiences. CARE will be responsible for guiding the project execution process, providing the methodological tools (promotional material, training modules, and the activity check list) to ensure intervention sustainability.