Learning session #8 Kamwenge (November 09)

The 8th LeaPPS learning session for Kamwenge district was held on November 24th and 25th 2009. It focused on how to continue coordination and learning between government and civil society agencies and advocate for continued attention to software for sanitation and hygiene.

Since LeaPPS 7, the district water department has sensitized sub-county officials from 12 sub-counties. Topics discussed included O&M of water facilities and bye-law formation. Several hygiene promotions were also undertaken by schools and local NGOs FORUD and JESE.

The session focused mainly on 'looking ahead ' to define future roles, responsibilities, potential financing sources, and modalities for continuing learning sessions and maintaining or replicating the piloted technologies.

FORUD gave an update of the action research progress since the previous session and participants visited Kyabenda Primary school to observe the fossa alterna. They also learned about the relation between the school and surrounding community, especially in relation to water source management and a clean school compound.

The session ended with agreements for action. For example: DWO plans to provide training for more masons on arborloo and fossa alterna and will support sub counties in forming Water & Sanitation Coordinating Committees at sub-county level, Health Assistants will advocate for continutation of LeaPPs at sub-county level, The Centre Coordinating Tutor will roll out efforts at promotion of a safe school environment together with the Education department and JESE will produce Bills of Quantities (BoQs) that give information on both ecosan and traditional pit latrines.