In very rural Guatemala some schools have latrines, but no place for children to wash their hands. Being able to wash hands prevents diseases from Covid to the flu to parasites. This year EPIC’s program in Baja Verapaz, Guatemala, worked with teachers and parents in 20 rural schools to build hand-washing stations. They have been very well accepted by the students and more schools are asking for them.

These hand-washing stations were designed by Armando, Baja Verapaz Program Director, for the specific needs in the various school locations, including where water could be obtained. The children think the fact the water and soap are controlled by two foot pedals is fun, and it keeps water use to a minimum which the teachers appreciate.