Sanitation Enteurpreunership Gives Hope in the Pandemic

Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI), together with public health centers in South Nias Regency have conducted CBTS (Community-Based Total Sanitation) and Sanitation Entrepreneurship training in 2020 to achieve a village of open defecation free (ODF). This training aims to increase the capacity of the community in facilitating and entrepreneurship as well as helping people get to know about health programs. Nikolaus Sihura (34), known as Niko, is benefited from the training program.

The CBTS and Sanitation Entrepreneur Training were activities that Niko participated in. The man who works as a farmer and construction worker is actively involved in various activities with WVI and the puskesmas. Niko was an active participant, and he often asks the question to facilitators to deepen their knowledge.

"I am happy to take part in this training because it will be an opportunity for me to help others healthier, and at the same time I can get other income besides farming," said Niko when met by WVI staff.

Niko's family is one of the affected families by a lack of income from farming due to harvest failure. Along with the Covid-19 pandemic, he no longer received income from construction workers.

This reduced income has an impact on the family to make ends meet, especially for the fulfillment of staple food. As an alternative, Niko tries to put into practice what he has gained from training.

Initially, Niko made two toilets and sold them for IDR 90,000. At the same time, he also conducted outreach to the public regarding STBM activities. It turned out that in just a few days, the toilets he made have been sold.

Niko continues to make and sell toilets today. There are about 20 toilets that have been sold. Some businessmen have even ordered the toilets. Apart from being an entrepreneur, Niko also carries out advocacy efforts to the village government, so that the government can support the community in the use of village funds for sanitation.

"I am happy because the community has more awareness in making healthy latrines, and I can help them in providing affordable toilets," he said.

Niko hopes that her village is free from defecation so that it can become a healthy village.

Written by: Juni Arman Hulu, TP Health coordinator of the South Nias Program Area Wahana Visi Indonesia