Makira a water, sanitation, and hygiene champion

Meet Patrick Roman Haga. Patrick is a World Vision water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) champion.

For the past three years, Patrick has given his time and energy to help communities and schools in Makira’s Weather Coast in the Solomon Islands to build their water supply and sanitation. It’s a challenge that the 32-year-old has proudly taken up, with support and training from World Vision.

“After leaving school at class six, I went to a rural training school to be a carpenter. Today I’ve expanded my skills to include plumbing and I’m helping my people,” said Patrick.

Patrick became a WASH champion after his home village of Apurahe was selected to be one of 10 communities and two schools, to participate in a UNICEF-supported project. The three year long project is working to improve water, sanitation and hygiene practices for people living in vulnerable, remote and hard to reach communities. 

Today the project has reached over 5,000 people. With construction of water supplies complete in the 10 communities, Patrick spends his days travelling with World Vision engineers to help communities carry out minor repairs and maintenance.

“Even when I’m home and not working people come to me for advice and help to build their own toilets. I’m glad my skills improve the lives of my people.”