In the district of Cascas, near 1,900 meters of altitude, is the Las Tunas hamlet, a place where a drinking water system has recently been built. Marco, the school teacher, works in this hamlet and tells us about the experiences of teachers and students before and after the arrival of water to this community.
«Before, children brought bottles full of water from their homes so they could wash their hands or clean themselves when they arrived at school. They always walk from their homes to school, usually 30 minutes, and they arrived sweaty. Now with water installed in this hamlet, things have changed and the children's lives have become easier, because water is everything..»
Marco tells us that since 2003 the water has always suffered and not only the children and teachers who passed through this school, but also the mothers who came to clean and prepare some food for the children's lunch.
«"We've worked hand in hand with the parents to get our water system; now we have our water fountain, and the children can enjoy a pleasant moment while washing their hands. We're close to finishing the installation of our bathrooms so that the children will have everything they need to study in a more comfortable environment that makes them feel good.", Marco tells us.
With the arrival of water at the school, the changes were immediate. In the classroom of 13 students, a toilet corner was installed where each child has a comb and a towel, as well as a bottle of liquid soap and a mirror. Recess time is the most fun, when children enjoy not only playing but also a refreshing time for hand washing and personal hygiene.
Marco, with impatient eyes, also shares his concern with us «We already achieved drinking water, now we must work together to achieve the construction of the road, so the farmer could plant and take his products to sell to Cascas. That would bring progress not only to the village but to the families of this place.«".
Before finishing the conversation, Marco takes a pause and thoughtfully tells us again «"Now we have water, but we all know that freshwater is becoming increasingly scarce year after year. The good thing about this project is that it includes micro-metering, and that's a great way to save water. Without a meter, water would probably be used up much faster, but with a meter at home or school, it makes us aware that we must take care of it and not waste it.".
