Update #3 from Guatemala- San Lucas Toliman Ecotoilets

Submitted by International Chair Gene Medina

Our Rotary funds at work- Eco Toilets in San Lucas Toliman:

During our visit to Guatemala, we met with the Rotary team that is implementing the San Lucas Toliman eco toilets. Our club is a partner with four other District 5020 clubs (Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, Sequim, and Tumwater) and the Vista Hermosa Rotary Club in Guatemala City. This past September, we received a $57,000 global grant to install 85 eco toilets in San Lucas. These eco toilets are part of Rotary’s efforts to improving sanitation conditions for members of the San Lucas Toliman community. Additionally, it is part of larger efforts to clean up the Lake Atitlan environment and improve the overall living conditions.  There are about 15 United States and Canadian Rotary clubs, our club included, that are partners with Todo Por El  Lago,  a partnership of Guatermalan Rotarians.  It is the goal of the international partnership to install eco toilets, water filters and safe stoves in many homes of Tolima.n.  To participate, home owners must assist in the installation of the eco toilets, stove and filters as well as participate in hygiene and maintenance training and contribute at least 70 hours of community service (e.g. cleaning the streets and helping others install their toilets or stoves.  Attached are a few photos: (1) the older “facilities”,