Mount Hermon Hinsing Basan Vocational School
A Triumph for Basic Human Rights and Social Welfare
Access to safe water is a basic human right, and this right has now been realized for the children of Mount Hermon Hinsing Basan Vocational School. Water reservoirs, taps, and geysers have been installed, bringing clean, running water to the school for the first time. The joy on the children’s faces as they enjoy this simple yet transformative resource is beyond words.
Overcoming Challenges for a Greater Cause
This project was a logistical and engineering feat, requiring innovation and resilience. The school, perched atop a hill in Meghalaya, posed significant challenges:
- A well had to be dug 300 feet down the hill to reach a reliable water source.
- Pumping water to the school required overcoming steep elevation, necessitating multiple trials to identify the most effective pumping system and motor.
- Procuring the right water pump in a remote market was time-consuming and complicated.
- The pandemic, labor shortages, and regional unrest added to the difficulties.
Despite these obstacles, the school management and staff persevered, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the cause. Their relentless efforts, coupled with support from the community and stakeholders, ensured the project's completion.
Alignment with International Social Welfare Standards:
This project aligns with key international social welfare standards and frameworks:
1. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 25):
By ensuring access to water, the project contributes to the realization of the right to an adequate standard of living.
2. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6):
It advances clean water and sanitation for all, particularly in underserved, remote regions.
3. UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Framework:
The installation of water infrastructure supports a safe, healthy learning environment for children, essential for their well-being and education.
A Collaborative Success:
This initiative highlights the power of community-driven solutions to address systemic inequalities. It not only fulfills an urgent need for the school but also enhances the quality of education and living standards for its students. The project underscores the importance of collaboration, innovation, and persistence in overcoming significant challenges.
