Build a Bathroom for our Women!
Donation protected
Imagine spending the entire day somewhere without a decent bathroom. What do you do when your stomach runs? What if it's that time of month? Suddenly you're trapped between being a student or teacher and being a human being.
The Cuttington University College of Agriculture and Sustainable Development (CASD) in Suakoko, Liberia has 33 faculty and staff members and 591 students.
All of these people currently share six toilets. None of the bathrooms have lights or locks and only one has running water--even though it's available just feet away. There are no stall doors in any of the bathrooms, leaving occupants totally exposed to anyone entering. (Female students report male students frequently enter their bathroom accidentally.)
Is it any suprise that most female students and faculty simply leave after class? Female students make up barely 20% of the users in the College's Resource Room and computer lab and female staff report traveling home just to relieve themselves. Imagine making barely $500 a month, supporting a family of eight, and having to spend $2 to go home to pee!
The issue was discussed during a recent gender workshop I facilitated and everyone was so angry and embarassed the CASD faculty immediately initiated this project. All the current facilities will be renovated and a new four-room bathroom is planned on the opposite side of the CASD building. (Totally separating male and female bathrooms is most culturally appropriate.)
A groundbreaking program was held March 18 and approximately $1,500USD was raised in cash and material donations, but the total cost of the project is $10,000USD. The committee wants to complete the bathrooms before the new semester opens at the end of April, but we need your help to make that possible!
Over the years many of you have asked how you can support my work in Liberia. This is how. Building this bathroom will help all of us--students, faculty, and ME--be our best every day.
Any amount will help! Zinc for the roof is $125USD per bundle. A commode costs $75USD and a sink costs $50USD. A bag of cement or a box of floor tile is $10USD. Even $5USD can put fuel in a pick-up truck to haul crushed rock or sand.
This marks my third year teaching at CASD and this bathroom has always been my dream. With the support of the faculty, students, and you it is finally within reach.
(I am personally handling the money for this project and promise that all donations will be used for their intended purpose.)
The Cuttington University College of Agriculture and Sustainable Development (CASD) in Suakoko, Liberia has 33 faculty and staff members and 591 students.
All of these people currently share six toilets. None of the bathrooms have lights or locks and only one has running water--even though it's available just feet away. There are no stall doors in any of the bathrooms, leaving occupants totally exposed to anyone entering. (Female students report male students frequently enter their bathroom accidentally.)
Is it any suprise that most female students and faculty simply leave after class? Female students make up barely 20% of the users in the College's Resource Room and computer lab and female staff report traveling home just to relieve themselves. Imagine making barely $500 a month, supporting a family of eight, and having to spend $2 to go home to pee!
The issue was discussed during a recent gender workshop I facilitated and everyone was so angry and embarassed the CASD faculty immediately initiated this project. All the current facilities will be renovated and a new four-room bathroom is planned on the opposite side of the CASD building. (Totally separating male and female bathrooms is most culturally appropriate.)
A groundbreaking program was held March 18 and approximately $1,500USD was raised in cash and material donations, but the total cost of the project is $10,000USD. The committee wants to complete the bathrooms before the new semester opens at the end of April, but we need your help to make that possible!
Over the years many of you have asked how you can support my work in Liberia. This is how. Building this bathroom will help all of us--students, faculty, and ME--be our best every day.
Any amount will help! Zinc for the roof is $125USD per bundle. A commode costs $75USD and a sink costs $50USD. A bag of cement or a box of floor tile is $10USD. Even $5USD can put fuel in a pick-up truck to haul crushed rock or sand.
This marks my third year teaching at CASD and this bathroom has always been my dream. With the support of the faculty, students, and you it is finally within reach.
(I am personally handling the money for this project and promise that all donations will be used for their intended purpose.)
Organizer
Rebekah Schulz
Organizer
Columbia, MO
