In Ghana, a new project integrating health care and WASH (clean water, sanitation, hygiene) is already causing change. Local Nazarene churches, health centers, schools, leaders, and community volunteers are working together to envision solutions to health and sanitation problems facing their communities.

Community health volunteers spread out across two communities to help provide resources and education, so far focusing on advice for new parents and infant care. They are also running in-school trainings for children on the topic of good sanitation practices. 

“There has been nothing like this in this community.”

One community member, Dabruk, recently shared his perspective, explaining that after hearing about the aim and goals of the project, he decided to become a community health volunteer himself.

“I know it will really help my community,” he says. “I know under this project people will come around to teach us personal hygiene, sanitation, maternal health, and [more]. There has been nothing like this in this community.” 

Life isn’t easy for Dabruk’s family these days. Climate instability has impacted his crops, and he shared that providing even just two meals a day for his family is a challenge. The community is spread out geographically, so members generally haven’t been connected and united to support each other. Through the project, Dabruk says that he and his neighbors are being inspired to create change. 

“Before, everyone was minding his or her own business, finding ways our families will survive,” he explains. “But now, I think this project has changed everything. We are beginning to realize the community is ours and it is our activities that will harm or improve our community. This project has really brought our community together.” 

Dabruk is looking forward to upcoming project phases like the construction of much-needed sanitary toilet facilities. He is hopeful for improved physical and spiritual health for his family and community.  

“This project has given me hope. The project comes along with the word of God to give us long life. I hope for better rains for good harvest, too. I want my children to go to school and come and build this community. This community is all they have.”