Rainwater Harvesting & Toilet project
How it started…
Bindi International in partnership with The Swarovski Foundation embarked on a transformative journey in 2020-2021 to address critical issues of sanitation and water scarcity in the rural areas of Ajmer and Rajsamand districts in Rajasthan, India. This project aimed to improve the lives of students, especially girls and women teachers, by providing access to clean and safe toilets and rainwater harvesting facilities. The impact of this initiative reached far beyond the construction of facilities, creating a positive ripple effect in the community.
About the project…
In collaboration with local communities and authorities, Bindi International successfully built 16 toilets and 8 rainwater harvesting tanks across 7 schools in Ajmer district's Jawaja block and 1 school in Rajsamand district's Bhim block. The project design included separate toilets for girls and women teachers and another for boys, addressing the unique needs of each group. The project directly benefited 513 girls and women teachers, ensuring they have access to safe and hygienic sanitation facilities. Additionally, 807 boys gained access to improved restroom facilities, enhancing overall hygiene and sanitation conditions in the schools.
The project directly benefited 513 girls and women teachers, ensuring they have access to safe and hygienic sanitation facilities. Additionally, 807 boys gained access to improved restroom facilities, enhancing overall hygiene and sanitation conditions in the schools.
Impact of the project
A total of 467 plants in these schools now receive water from each of the 40,000-liter tanks of the rainwater harvesting system. This not only ensures a sustainable water source for the schools but also promotes environmental conservation in this arid region. The project's impact extends to education, as improved sanitation facilities are essential for a conducive learning environment. With access to clean toilets, students can focus on their studies, contributing to better educational outcomes. Moreover, the initiative positively affected the midday meal program in these schools, as clean water is a crucial component of meal preparation.
Project & Beyond…
Post-project completion, the positive results have resonated in the community, leading to an increased demand for similar facilities. An additional 40 government schools have approached us for support in addressing their sanitation and water needs. We invite potential donors to join us in expanding the reach of this transformative project, ensuring more students and communities benefit. Our commitment to ensuring the longevity of these facilities goes beyond construction. After completing the project, we provided training to school management teams on proper maintenance techniques for both the toilets and rainwater harvesting tanks. This ensures that the benefits of this initiative will be felt for years to come, fostering healthier and more prosperous communities.
Bindi International-Swarovski Foundation Rainwater Harvesting and Toilet Project has brought about meaningful change in the lives of students, teachers, and communities in rural Rajasthan. By addressing the basic needs of sanitation and water, we have opened doors to improved education, better health, and a brighter future. We look forward to continued support and partnerships to extend this impact to even more schools and regions in need. Together, we can create lasting change and empower communities for generations to come.