Written by: Michał Matejczuk & Robyn Brandon
PCV: Robyn Brandon
Construction Site: Budadiri Girls Primary School
Project: Water Harvesting and Sanitation (partnership with the Ichupa Upcycle Project)
What does environmental conservation mean to you?
I find environmental conservation very fascinating, there are several ways to be a part of this movement and recycling is just one method. Recycled waste can truly be a treasure from the right perspective, and the idea that one can use exactly what they have to provide exactly what they need is extremely rewarding. As an undergraduate at Old Dominion University, I was impressed and inspired by those around me who were passionate about our environment, and it stuck with me. Now it has come full circle and I found the courage to take steps to help the environment myself. Using recycled water bottles for this project allows for the environment around us to give back to the community and yield an amazing water harvesting tank, that is truly serendipitous.
Do you have prior experience in recycling, up-cycling, or reusing plastic waste?
No, this was my first major experience with recycling and reusing plastic waste. I have been introduced to more ways of being environmentally conscientious through this project.
How did you first learn about The Ichupa Upcycle Project?
I was introduced to The Ichupa Upcycle Project by my neighbor and fellow teacher Rose Asio. We were discussing our water issues over tea and she mentioned a project at North Road Primary School in Mbale. She told me that it was eco-friendly and could help to reduce the time the girls spend fetching water, the amount of harassment they are subjected to, and increase the amount drinking water for the boarders.
What inspired you to pursue an opportunity with our team?
Meeting with Nicholas, the Project’s engineer, helped inspire me to pursue the project. I am a negotiator and I love to keep others on their toes. When I met Nicholas, I listened to his presentation on the tanks and their longevity. When it came to talking numbers, I put on my game face and it didn’t intimidate him. I began questioning each part of the tank and he kept his numbers straight without faltering. That let me know he was just as passionate as I was to help my community. For him it was about giving us a quality product that would meet our needs, and one that we could be proud to leave behind.
How has your community responded to the construction thus far?
The Budadiri community is stunned by this project. We have hosted 1 community sensitization, 2 water committee meetings and are planning a final reveal. At the community sensitization meeting we addressed concerns regarding maintenance, ownership and cost of the tanks. Christian Woman and Youth Alliance (CWAY), the partnering organization recommended by a fellow Peace Corps Volunteer, spearheaded the conversation about tank maintenance which included live demonstrations. I discussed ownership and cost and communicated that the tanks are meant to service the entire community and no one individual.
Is there a favorite moment, or a particular community member, that surprised you the most with their reaction?
There are many moments, but the reactions are all the same, “how will these water bottles build a tank or anything else.”
What have you learned so far with this project becoming a part of your Peace Corps community?
I’ve learned this project is useful for all volunteers within the Peace Corps community. I have seen where other volunteers have written grants that were hygiene, sanitation and even poultry-based projects that all need water tanks. They budget for a plastic tank that on average last about 5 years in the rural setting. Due to lack of knowledge in tank management the tanks do not last. Since starting this project I have been able to advocate for the longevity and durability of the eco-brick tank. This project is a game changer for all projects from water tanks to building school blocks.
Where else do you see the impact of this project moving towards?
I see this project opening doors for my pupils to learn skills that can improve their quality of life. The harsh reality is that from term to term we lose students. Some don’t return because disabilities or other priorities at home, but the main barrier are school fees. These projects teach students how to build things with discarded items that are locally found in their community. They are then able to create a source of income that can help provide for their families.
Has your overall view on climate change and environmental conservation change while working on this project?
As a volunteer my overall viewpoint has changed from this project with Ichupa. It is rewarding to see local people wanting to improve their environment but lack resources to do so. By working first-hand with the locals, in the field, I learned how I could be using so many more raw resources to improve the contextualized education I desire to provide. I am more conscience now, and ready to improve myself as an educator and my community as a pillar in our region.
What do you recommend to those interested in environmental conservation, but don’t know where to start?
Yes, my overall view on climate change and environmental conservation has been changed by being a volunteer in general and as a result of working on this project with Ichupa. It is encouraging to see local people strive to improve their environment with so few resources. And working first-hand with the locals, in the field; I have learned how I can use so many more raw resources to improve the contextualized education I desire to provide. I am conscience now and ready to improve myself as an educator and my community as a pillar in our region.
About Robyn Brandon:
Born and raised in Virginia, Robyn attended Old Dominion University (go monarchs!) where she learned the value of humanity by being of service to all man-kind through sisterhood. As an English Literacy Specialist in Uganda, Robyn is paying it forward—being mentored by extraordinary women throughout her life—as an English Literacy Specialist and believes that when “you educate a girl you educate a whole nation.”
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