South Sudan: Toilets and Hygiene Education Classes at Elementary Schools

Association for Aid and Relief, Japan (AAR Japan) has been carrying out water and hygiene projects in South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria State since 2006. The following is a report on the construction of a new toilet facility and hygiene education classes held between March 2011 and April 2012.

Hygiene Education Classes Held in 6 Elementary Schools

 
Water-borne diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid fever and cholera have been the major cause of death among children in South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria State. According to research done by AAR Japan in 2010, only 6.4% of the population and 2% of children used toilets. Most use roadsides and bushes, which leads to the contamination of water sources and the spread of infectious diseases. In response, AAR Japan initiated hygiene education classes in 6 elementary schools for roughly one year beginning in March 2011.

June 28^th, 2012 – A sanitary hygiene class held for school teachers in Kapoeta North County. “Which picture is most sanitary?”

Uganda: Supporting the Incomes Landmine Victims

Support for Landmine Victims in a Harsh Environment

A 20-year civil war has left the northwestern region of Uganda scattered with landmines and UXOs (Unexploded Ordnance). Most of these landmines and UXOs still remain in the ground, with injuries mounting every year. Victims often lose their jobs due to their disabilities, or sell their homes and businesses in order to raise money for treatment. According to research by the Ugandan Government in 2009, only 8% of these victims have a means of making an income.

In cooperation with ULSA (Uganda Landmine Survivors Association), AAR Japan has been supporting Ugandan victims of landmines and UXOs since 2009. At present, we are providing start-up assistance to 30 beneficiaries in Uganda’s northern Lira District, helping them start small-scale, self-owned business such as retail shops, salons, and second-hand clothing shops in order to attain financial stability.

Hope for a Better Future

May 14^th, 2012 - AAR Japan provided commodities such as sweets, sugar and detergent to help Ms. ACIO (right) open a retail shop.