Background
SHaRM Foundation stopped at Tanilou Primary School in April 2017 and delivered items of stationery, reading book supplies and materials for both the kindergarten and the Primary School.
The Headmaster Iman Karee, advised the status of various projects taking place at Tanilou Primary School which was currently having finishing touches made to the main School building. It was noted by the SHaRM members that the small toilet block that is in daily use by the students, needed some much needed refurbishment.
SHaRM Founding members, Helen and Steph with Headmaster Iman Karee receiving the donations
The two toilets black at the back of the school near the kindergarten were not functioning as hygienic, safe and sanitary toilet facilities. The toilets required water bucketing into the bowls, the flushing mechanisms were not installed and water lacked connection. Generally the toilets need refurbishment to bring them to a standard for student use. The toilet block also lacked handwashing facilities.
SHaRM Foundation understands the original toilet building was built by Save the Children and the toilets were donated by Jonathan Delaney but unfortunately were never connected properly for correct use.
Partner Group
SHaRM Foundation’s partner group, Byond Disaster Relief New Zealand was seeking a small project to complete whilst in Vanuatu undertaking a larger project at Mele Village during their team’s visit to Vanuatu in June 2017.
Approval was gained via Roy Obed, Ministry of Education for this project work to be undertaken and SHaRM Foundation specified the work that was required and the team undertaking the work.
Three members of the Byond team, namely, Russell Sowden, James O’Regan and Megan Shirley were assigned by the team leader Lyndon Tamblyn to inspect the toilets on arrival and to complete the works required to bring the toilet block up to an acceptable standard over the duration of their visit.
This required completing a water line enabling the new toilet flushing systems to operate, connecting the water supply and also installing handwashing facilities. All these items have been completed and finally the block was painted inside and out upgrading the facilities for the school during the Byond teams visit in June 2017.
All this work undertaken and completed by the Byond team was funded by them and provided to the Tanilou School as a donation to this project.
Complete refurbishment, new paint, flushing toilets as shown by Headmaster Iman Karee and wash stations
The only outstanding matter to be completed in September 2017 when the SHaRM Foundation team assemble again in Vanuatu will be to coordinate the raising of the water tank feeding these toilets to enable an alternative gravity feed system in lieu of using the water pump to pump the water from the on-site bore (electricity driven).
Inspection
Inspection of the toilet block will be undertaken by SHaRM Foundation members in August 2017 and SHaRM will further discuss the outstanding water tank issue with the Headmaster.
SHaRM will seek further volunteer assistance from the school community and from SHaRM volunteers.
Once finalized, a signboard will be erected donated by Top Signs and Cyrille Mainguy, Engineer and project manager will inspect the toilets on his next visit to Havannah and the Tanilou School.
Acknowledgments
On behalf of the SHaRM Foundation team we wish to thank Lyndon Tamblyn and his team from Byond Disaster Relief New Zealand for completing this project whilst they were in Vanuatu in June 2017 and for generously undertaking the cost of repairs and refurbishment for this project.
- Byond Disaster Relief New Zealand Team
- Jonathan Delaney
- Save the Children
- Cyrille Mainguy
- Top Signs
- SHaRM Foundation; and
- Iman Karee, Headmaster of Tanilou Primary School and
Dated : 30 July 2017
Prepared by : SHaRM Foundation Steph Neilson
Founding Member www.sharmfoundation.com
