Zahara Yemami, a 42-year-old mother of five, lives in Dibina Kebele, Yallo Woreda. She is an inspiring example of how improved hygiene and sanitation practices can transform lives. Selected as a model household in her village, Zahara has embraced positive hygiene practices, turning her home into a symbol of change for her community.
Zahara and her family faced significant challenges before AIRD’s intervention through the BHA-USAID-funded project. Zahara recalls we didn’t have a latrine or proper waste disposal system. We practiced open defecation, walking far from the village to find privacy. Children’s feces and household waste were discarded in the open, creating an unhealthy environment.
This changed when AIRD’s community hygiene promoters and Yallo Woreda health officers began visiting her home regularly, engaging her family in bi-weekly group discussions on hygiene and sanitation. Through these sessions, Zahara learned about the benefits of maintaining a clean and safe environment. Inspired by the knowledge shared, Zahara took action. She constructed a pit latrine with a handwashing facility using locally available materials, complete with a hanging soap dispenser. She also set up a solid waste disposal pit within her compound.
Today, the impact of these changes is visible. During routine inspections by AIRD’s WASH team and local health officers, Zahara’s compound stood out for its cleanliness and functionality. Her latrine and waste management facilities have significantly reduced the risks of disease and improved her family’s quality of life.
Reflecting on the transformation, Zahara says, Now that we have a toilet and waste disposal pit within our compound, we live a dignified and safe life. Our environment is free from filth and disease, and as a family, we feel proud and happy. These changes have brought us comfort and health.
Zahara’s story demonstrates the profound impact of AIRD’s hygiene promotion efforts. Her household serves as a model for the community, inspiring others to adopt similar practices and improve their living conditions. This success highlights how education and community support can create lasting change, fostering healthier and more sustainable lifestyles.