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CHANGE #MORETHAN BEFORE

Two communities break barriers with FOREFRONT's partnership

By FOREFRONT Charity

February 22^nd, 2017

becoming more than

On a bright morning in South India, we exchanged high-fives and handshakes that would never be the same. The communities of Koduru and Thallur had long-standing challenges with clean water and sanitation, often spreading disease.

During our trip, we saw how much breaking barriers, no matter how small, has the power to change a community's course. By moving beyond barriers like clean water and sanitation, individuals powerfully became more than their challenges.

In Koduru and Thallur, FOREFRONT's investments in clean water and handwashing are releasing possibility after possibility.

water in koduru

"Health is improving and so is the economy; we can focus on real work."

Last year, we partnered with a village called Koduru to install a water well and pipes connecting the well to a school. Over 500 people, including 100 students at the school, received access to clean water.

One year later, the water "tastes sweet" to the villagers, instead of the salty water they used to taste due to Koduru's proximity to the Bay of Bengal. Jeevana, a local leader, says that they use the well each day because no other reliable source exists.

Parents are now enabled to be more than just providers; they have more time at home to be parents because they no longer need to walk kilometers to the nearest water source. And importantly, kids can be kids -- going to school and furthering their futures beyond searching for clean water.

SOAPS IN THALLUR

"Being healthy is equal to more work and contributing to my village."

Vyshanavy, Sava, and Nagavenni are soap ambassadors in Thallur. These women have committed to creating soap and spreading awareness about hand washing. When we began, 39% of people were using soaps. By week 14, 92% of people reported soap use.

Most people in Thallur cannot afford soap. They told us that if they had the money, they would use them more. Addressing lack of access to affordable sanitation is creating a healthier Thallur. Without suffering from preventable conditions such as skin rashes and food contamination, students are able to attend school. Health has made access to education viable, when no one had previously thought they could go beyond health complications.

Nagavenni told us that cleansing with soap helped relieve rashes and allergies, leading to a healthier community. She and Sava are committed to helping others understand. Sava added that her education, another component of FOREFRONT's 4-phase approach, allowed her to learn the importance of long-term health.

clear health, clear futures

Addressing more than one solution allows communities to be more than their challenges. We loved witnessing the critical role water and handwashing with soap played in unlocking a community's potential. As results and opportunity continue unlocking from FOREFRONT's partnerships, we commit to sustaining and supporting leaders of change for all of India.