At the San Isidro Labrador School, a new WASH project will empower education and provide hope through access to clean water.

The San Isidro School sits geographically isolated in the arid subtropical region of Pozo Colorado in the Paraguayan Chaco. The school is home to approximately 300 students and 50 staff members. Most of the students staying in the residential school come from rural areas and are the children of farmers and cattle handlers who work vast distances from the school. At San Isidro, there is no municipal water supply, nor are there freshwater rivers or lakes nearby. Additionally, the Chaco’s harsh climate presents a recurrent challenge to obtain a reliable water source throughout the school year.

To address the critical water shortage, a team of local professional engineers, hydrologists, contractors, and school personnel developed the WASH Project. The project aims to attend to the Water, Sanitation, and Health needs of the school and the people of Pozo Colorado, providing a long-term solution to the water problem. 

The WASH Project consists of three phases:

• Phase I: construction of a water catchment and reserve system with associated pumps has been completed successfully. [Completed]
  
• Phase II: construction of an elevated 40 cubic meter tank, a reserve of 60 cubic meters, a water treatment plant, and a chemical purification process is currently being implemented. [USD 250,00] [In progress]
  
• Phase III: will see the development of a wastewater treatment system with primary and secondary-stage treatment of effluents. [USD 150,00]
  

As of now, Phase II is currently underway with the completion of Phase I. This second phase focuses on the construction of structures for the purification and distribution of water by gravity to the entire school. When the treatment process is completed, the water in the storage tank will be available for consumption.

As of now, Phase II is currently underway with the completion of Phase I. This second phase focuses on the construction of structures for the purification and distribution of water by gravity to the entire school. When the treatment process is completed, the water in the storage tank will be available for consumption.

The WASH Project will vastly increase water capacity, centralize recruitment, improve water quality, attenuate rainfall dependency, mitigate droughts, speed water treatment, reduce maintenance, greatly increase durability, reduce costs, and increase sustainability.

Safe and sufficient WASH plays a key role in preventing numerous diseases that can be found in dirty and unsafe water. Upon the completion of the project, the supply of secure water suitable for consumption and for the maintenance of sanitation services could be guaranteed, and an exemplary model of water resource management unique in the area would be achieved. The project’s finalization would also allow the development of training courses and technical training in sanitation for the school’s community. Thus generating favorable conditions for the dignified growth of students, the development of the school and the school’s community, the promotion of wellness and health, and the preservation of the environment.

As a 501(c)(3) public charity, your contributions to La Salle International are tax deductible.  Check donations in support of this project may be sent directly to La Salle International’s headquarters (click here).  Receipts for all donations are issued promptly.

San Isidro WASH Project

100% of your gift will provide water for children in Paraguay.  

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San Isidro WASH Project