Why Plan works in

The is one of the poorest countries in the world. Over half of the population is living in poverty with 73% surviving on less than £1 a day. One third are without clean drinking water and over two thirds of the population do not have access to adequate toilet facilities. Many children play in fields and near bushes – often the only places which offer some privacy for people to relieve themselves.

Clean water and sanitation are vital to combat waterborne diseases like diarrhoea, cholera and dysentery.  Plan works with the whole community (including children) to install safe water sources and toilets and help communities move towards a position where open defecation is socially unacceptable.

How you can help

We aim to raise funds to build 1050 domestic toilets, and 402 wells and boreholes in Couffo and Atacora. The project aims to increase the access to adequate toilet facilities and clean water to communities to reduce disease and mortality rates among children, and make it easier for them to attend school.

Plan staff will help families and communities to set up management committees which oversee the construction of the toilets, wells and boreholes from the planning stage right through to the buying and installing of materials. In the longer term, these facilities will be overseen by a water committee made up of local people, who will make sure the equipment is properly maintained. Children will also be encouraged to take part in educating the community about the importance of hygiene, demonstrating how to wash hands properly and other personal hygiene practises.

Plan works closely with communities, governments and non-governmental organisations at a local and national level to make sure projects such as this work as effectively as possible. This is just one of many projects within Plan’s wider health programme. With your support, this project can make a difference to the lives of many children, families and communities in .