The powerful impact of filters
In the village of Chorrera, Honduras, the impact of these filters has been powerful, not just because there has been a dramatic decrease in the incidence of diarrhea but because this particular community is one of those rare cases where they have a well rounded diet and access to a wide assortment of vegetables, meats, grains, and diary products. This is the exception but nonetheless these kids were malnourished because diarrhea and intestinal parasites effectively prevented their bodies and metabolism from making the most of the food they consumed. Now that water born illnesses are not limiting their growth and development, these kids are healthy, their complexions healthy, their skin color and tone healthy, and their faces show energy and development. Before their skin color was pallid and hard inflexible, “toasted”, but now chapudito and very soft. The school has 54 kids including kindergarten. These kids say the water has a great flavor and they like it. All said with great happy smiles, “this water is very flavorful and much better than before.. One quarter of the kids in the school share responsibilities at home putting water in the filter on a daily basis. The parents of these kids are overwhelmed “emocionados” by the effects of this project have fully accepted this project and understand completely the importance of these filters in the lives of their kids. The teacher was asked about absenteeism before and after the installation of these filters and in particular if diarrhea had an impact on school attendance. She said that before the installation there were on average 8 – 10 students missing every day out of a classroom of approximately 40. Now there are only 2 or 3 children out a day – and not for diarrhea. Kids were asked if they ever get visitors who have never seen a filter and don’t know anything about the filters. The kids say they explain what it is and how it works and what it has done to their health. The word about our filters is spreading. Reported by Tristam Johnson.
