Hey everyone, I hope everyone is doing well back is the states or wherever you might be in the world. Below, I have attached information about a project I have been working on for some time. If you could just take a minute to read it over and possibly give a donation, that would be great. Feel free to email me if you would like further information or have any questions about the project. Thanks!!!
Koka, Togo
Community Health Clinic
Restoration and Materials
Alia Rezek, Peace Corps Volunteer
Koka, located in the Kara Region, is in Northeastern Togo. It is comprised of seven smaller villages and is residence to approximately 4000 people. Men, women and children live in cluster housing with extended family and friends. These houses are often constructed out of mud or cement bricks and are covered with thatch or tin roofing. The Nawda culture, known to westerners as Losso, is the predominant cultural group living in Koka. Nawdm is the indigenous language spoken here; however, many speak French, the official language of Togo. Koka follows the norms of Togo with approximately 35% of its population living under the poverty line. Three of the seven villages of Koka have electricity access. Water is supplied through wells and some pumps, but also through rain collection during rainy season.
Three years ago, Koka separated itself from the neighboring town of Niamtougou. Niamtougou, a large commerce center for the Kara region, brings in many visitors to its large weekly market, its various non-governmental organizations and traditional cloth production organization, CODHANI. However, the separation also left the village of Koka at a bit at a standstill. All knowledgeable governing officials remained in Niamtougou, leaving Koka very inexperienced. The village is presently in the process of developing its own resources and become the prosperous village they wanted to be when it separated from Niamtougou. New chiefs and development workers are being trained and are working together on various projects such as this one, opening a health clinic.
In the mid nineties, the community of Koka recognized there was a need for a local health clinic for residents to seek treatment for minor injuries, illnesses and maternity care. For a village the size and population of Koka, lacking of a basic medical care facility in a reasonable distance proves the villages’ pressing need. There are two neighboring hospitals in Niamtougou (3km from center of Koka) and Baga (4km from center of Koka). However, the community of Koka spreads out approximately 5 to 10km in diameter. For those living in the far reaches of Koka, one would have to walk upwards of 15km to seek medical care. This distance often discourages people from seeking medical care that most would consider necessary. This then often leads to further infection and problems, even death. Some of the common diseases that affect the population of Koka included Malaria, Hepatitis A and Typhoid Fever.
Individuals also turn to traditional means which are not always effective and often more expensive than proven western medicines. Women go months without seeking prenatal care or give birth at home, due to the long distances they would have to walk and the time they would waste to get to the hospital.
Community leaders such as development workers, chiefs and notable residents formed committees to search for partners to help finance the construction of a health clinic. They were able to find a family originally from Koka, living in Lomé, willing to donate the money necessary for the construction and to purchase some of the clinic supplies.
In 2000, construction started on the building, which would later be the clinic. With much community contributions and aid from community members living elsewhere, the building was quickly constructed. Community members with the skills donated their services. Skilled laborers of Koka, including carpenters and masons donated all of the labor in the construction. Women helped dig when needed and by carrying in water and sand every day to the site. In addition, many supplies were purchased or constructed such as hospital beds, scales and some other medical equipment.
The community also formed a committee, which would eventually be responsible for the management of the clinic once opened. COGES (Management Committee for Health) is comprised of a diverse group of responsible and respected individuals from the community. This includes a retired state nurse, the former regional chief, the chief of women, and several members from the community development committees who were deemed able to serve on this committee. They are capable of developing a monthly budget, purchasing necessary refills of pharmaceutical supplies, paying for the upkeep and repairs of the clinic and equipment.
The community selected three individuals’ capable and interested individuals in working at the clinic. A birth attendant, a nurse’s aid and a pharmacist were trained at the Niamtougou Hospital to work at the clinic and assist the nurse assigned by the Togolese government. This training was free of charge because of the availability of a government sponsored training program at the hospital. The pharmacist will work with COGES to maintain the budget and make monthly purchases. The community is willing to pay or seek funding to have the three receive a refresher course prior to starting work. The government-training program is no longer in existence at the hospital.
After the construction was completed in 2002, the partner in Lomé was unable to continue his financial assistance. The community did not know where to seek further funding, thus abandoning the building and the project until my arrival in December 2006. This was due in large part because of the lack of knowledge and experience on the part of the community leaders who took over leadership three years ago when Koka became an independent village. However, there are presently many very motivated community members assisting in continuing the process.
In order to maintain long-term sustainability, the community of Koka understands they must provide at least 25% of the total cost to complete the project. Community members will be more likely to use and respect the clinic when they know they had a hand in the completion of the project. Their contribution will be made in the form of financial contributions by all community members as well as manual assistance. Working with each village development committee and chiefs, each village will be responsible for collecting at least 150 mille (approx. $400). Their portion of the total cost to open the clinic will be used to purchase medical supplies and materials and the cost for the construction of several pieces of furniture. Their willingness to see this project completed is evident in the original construction of the clinic and through their ability to collect money for other projects in the community. There is a great desire amongst all of the people of Koka to be able to improve the health and quality of life for all its residents.
Local supplies such as dirt and water will be used in the repair process. A water and septic system will be completed in the already constructed clinic. For patients and families using the clinic, a latrine will be constructed to insure hygienic practices and promoting a positive environmental impact. The latrine we will be installing is a new model being used in Togo and worldwide. It is far more environmentally friendly than the more widely used model. No waste will be able to leak in to the ground, contaminating neighboring water or land. Waste will be made into a compost-like product after being heated in the holding chamber for about a year and can then be used as a natural and safe fertilizer. I will be constructing this model as an example for my village to in the future, build more environmentally friendly latrines.
IV. Budget
Peace Corps Partnership Contribution
Quantity CFA Cost/Unit CFA Total Cost Total Dollars
Water installation 2918.740 $6,304.86
Repairs to building 357.500 $772.44
Painting of building 301.650 $651.78
Latrine construction 1 82.550 82.550 $178.09
Mattresses 4 26.000 104.000 $224.72
Bench 6 10.800 64.800 $140.01
Lab Table 2 12.000 24.000 $51.80 ______________________________________________________________________________
TOTAL 3,853.240 $8,273.27
Community Contribution
Quantity CFA Cost/Unit CFA Total Cost Total Dollars
Pharmaceutical Materials 848.800 $1,834.31
Medicines 348.035 $753.63
Furniture
- Small Table 3 9.000 27.000 $58.34
- Large Table 1 20.000 20.000 $43.20
- Chairs 8 3.500 28.000 $60.48
- Hanger for baby scale 1 13.000 13.000 $28.07
- Adult Height Measurer 1 13.000 13.000 $28.07
- Baby Height Measurer 1 11.000 11.000 $23.75
_________________________________________________________________________________
TOTAL 1,308.035 $2,833.91
Summary Total Cost CFA Cost Dollars Percentage of Total
Peace Corps Partnership Contribution 3,829.240 $8,273.27 74.7%
Community Contribution 1,308.035 $2,833.91 25.3%
TOTAL 5,161.275 $11,107.18 100%
Statement of Project Funding Purpose
The community is fully aware that under no circumstance can changes be made in the budget given below after its submission. They are aware the money requested will not be coming from Peace Corps itself but is in cooperation between the village of the Koka and individual donors in the United States. They also understand financing will only be given one time, regardless of the outcome of project. The community OF Koka is extremely appreciative OF the help from donors and are aware that proposal acceptance, circulation to potential sponsors and funding is at the discretion of the Peace Corps Country Director and all other committee members involved.
If you are interested in making a donation to this project, please go to http://www.peacecorps.gov/. Click on the link Donate now, then contribute now. Once there, go to the list at the bottom and click on Africa. All projects with Peace Corps Partnership are listed here. Search through the list until you find project for Togo and then my name. It may take some time for Peace Corps to put my project on the website so please be patient and check regularly. You can also e-mail me at musicaldiva00@yahoo.com if you have any questions and/or comments (please give me a couple of days or weeks to respond to you, as the Internet is not always easily accessible). I am grateful for your taking the time to read this and I hope it finds you happy and healthy.
Koka, Togo
Community Health Clinic
Restoration and Materials
Alia Rezek, Peace Corps Volunteer
Koka, located in the Kara Region, is in Northeastern Togo. It is comprised of seven smaller villages and is residence to approximately 4000 people. Men, women and children live in cluster housing with extended family and friends. These houses are often constructed out of mud or cement bricks and are covered with thatch or tin roofing. The Nawda culture, known to westerners as Losso, is the predominant cultural group living in Koka. Nawdm is the indigenous language spoken here; however, many speak French, the official language of Togo. Koka follows the norms of Togo with approximately 35% of its population living under the poverty line. Three of the seven villages of Koka have electricity access. Water is supplied through wells and some pumps, but also through rain collection during rainy season.
Three years ago, Koka separated itself from the neighboring town of Niamtougou. Niamtougou, a large commerce center for the Kara region, brings in many visitors to its large weekly market, its various non-governmental organizations and traditional cloth production organization, CODHANI. However, the separation also left the village of Koka at a bit at a standstill. All knowledgeable governing officials remained in Niamtougou, leaving Koka very inexperienced. The village is presently in the process of developing its own resources and become the prosperous village they wanted to be when it separated from Niamtougou. New chiefs and development workers are being trained and are working together on various projects such as this one, opening a health clinic.
In the mid nineties, the community of Koka recognized there was a need for a local health clinic for residents to seek treatment for minor injuries, illnesses and maternity care. For a village the size and population of Koka, lacking of a basic medical care facility in a reasonable distance proves the villages’ pressing need. There are two neighboring hospitals in Niamtougou (3km from center of Koka) and Baga (4km from center of Koka). However, the community of Koka spreads out approximately 5 to 10km in diameter. For those living in the far reaches of Koka, one would have to walk upwards of 15km to seek medical care. This distance often discourages people from seeking medical care that most would consider necessary. This then often leads to further infection and problems, even death. Some of the common diseases that affect the population of Koka included Malaria, Hepatitis A and Typhoid Fever.
Individuals also turn to traditional means which are not always effective and often more expensive than proven western medicines. Women go months without seeking prenatal care or give birth at home, due to the long distances they would have to walk and the time they would waste to get to the hospital.
Community leaders such as development workers, chiefs and notable residents formed committees to search for partners to help finance the construction of a health clinic. They were able to find a family originally from Koka, living in Lomé, willing to donate the money necessary for the construction and to purchase some of the clinic supplies.
In 2000, construction started on the building, which would later be the clinic. With much community contributions and aid from community members living elsewhere, the building was quickly constructed. Community members with the skills donated their services. Skilled laborers of Koka, including carpenters and masons donated all of the labor in the construction. Women helped dig when needed and by carrying in water and sand every day to the site. In addition, many supplies were purchased or constructed such as hospital beds, scales and some other medical equipment.
The community also formed a committee, which would eventually be responsible for the management of the clinic once opened. COGES (Management Committee for Health) is comprised of a diverse group of responsible and respected individuals from the community. This includes a retired state nurse, the former regional chief, the chief of women, and several members from the community development committees who were deemed able to serve on this committee. They are capable of developing a monthly budget, purchasing necessary refills of pharmaceutical supplies, paying for the upkeep and repairs of the clinic and equipment.
The community selected three individuals’ capable and interested individuals in working at the clinic. A birth attendant, a nurse’s aid and a pharmacist were trained at the Niamtougou Hospital to work at the clinic and assist the nurse assigned by the Togolese government. This training was free of charge because of the availability of a government sponsored training program at the hospital. The pharmacist will work with COGES to maintain the budget and make monthly purchases. The community is willing to pay or seek funding to have the three receive a refresher course prior to starting work. The government-training program is no longer in existence at the hospital.
After the construction was completed in 2002, the partner in Lomé was unable to continue his financial assistance. The community did not know where to seek further funding, thus abandoning the building and the project until my arrival in December 2006. This was due in large part because of the lack of knowledge and experience on the part of the community leaders who took over leadership three years ago when Koka became an independent village. However, there are presently many very motivated community members assisting in continuing the process.
In order to maintain long-term sustainability, the community of Koka understands they must provide at least 25% of the total cost to complete the project. Community members will be more likely to use and respect the clinic when they know they had a hand in the completion of the project. Their contribution will be made in the form of financial contributions by all community members as well as manual assistance. Working with each village development committee and chiefs, each village will be responsible for collecting at least 150 mille (approx. $400). Their portion of the total cost to open the clinic will be used to purchase medical supplies and materials and the cost for the construction of several pieces of furniture. Their willingness to see this project completed is evident in the original construction of the clinic and through their ability to collect money for other projects in the community. There is a great desire amongst all of the people of Koka to be able to improve the health and quality of life for all its residents.
Local supplies such as dirt and water will be used in the repair process. A water and septic system will be completed in the already constructed clinic. For patients and families using the clinic, a latrine will be constructed to insure hygienic practices and promoting a positive environmental impact. The latrine we will be installing is a new model being used in Togo and worldwide. It is far more environmentally friendly than the more widely used model. No waste will be able to leak in to the ground, contaminating neighboring water or land. Waste will be made into a compost-like product after being heated in the holding chamber for about a year and can then be used as a natural and safe fertilizer. I will be constructing this model as an example for my village to in the future, build more environmentally friendly latrines.
IV. Budget
Peace Corps Partnership Contribution
Quantity CFA Cost/Unit CFA Total Cost Total Dollars
Water installation 2918.740 $6,304.86
Repairs to building 357.500 $772.44
Painting of building 301.650 $651.78
Latrine construction 1 82.550 82.550 $178.09
Mattresses 4 26.000 104.000 $224.72
Bench 6 10.800 64.800 $140.01
Lab Table 2 12.000 24.000 $51.80 ______________________________________________________________________________
TOTAL 3,853.240 $8,273.27
Community Contribution
Quantity CFA Cost/Unit CFA Total Cost Total Dollars
Pharmaceutical Materials 848.800 $1,834.31
Medicines 348.035 $753.63
Furniture
- Small Table 3 9.000 27.000 $58.34
- Large Table 1 20.000 20.000 $43.20
- Chairs 8 3.500 28.000 $60.48
- Hanger for baby scale 1 13.000 13.000 $28.07
- Adult Height Measurer 1 13.000 13.000 $28.07
- Baby Height Measurer 1 11.000 11.000 $23.75
_________________________________________________________________________________
TOTAL 1,308.035 $2,833.91
Summary Total Cost CFA Cost Dollars Percentage of Total
Peace Corps Partnership Contribution 3,829.240 $8,273.27 74.7%
Community Contribution 1,308.035 $2,833.91 25.3%
TOTAL 5,161.275 $11,107.18 100%
Statement of Project Funding Purpose
The community is fully aware that under no circumstance can changes be made in the budget given below after its submission. They are aware the money requested will not be coming from Peace Corps itself but is in cooperation between the village of the Koka and individual donors in the United States. They also understand financing will only be given one time, regardless of the outcome of project. The community OF Koka is extremely appreciative OF the help from donors and are aware that proposal acceptance, circulation to potential sponsors and funding is at the discretion of the Peace Corps Country Director and all other committee members involved.
If you are interested in making a donation to this project, please go to http://www.peacecorps.gov/. Click on the link Donate now, then contribute now. Once there, go to the list at the bottom and click on Africa. All projects with Peace Corps Partnership are listed here. Search through the list until you find project for Togo and then my name. It may take some time for Peace Corps to put my project on the website so please be patient and check regularly. You can also e-mail me at musicaldiva00@yahoo.com if you have any questions and/or comments (please give me a couple of days or weeks to respond to you, as the Internet is not always easily accessible). I am grateful for your taking the time to read this and I hope it finds you happy and healthy.
posted by Alia at 10:48 AM
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