A latrine, a new life for Ernestine.

“We used to get sick all the time. We kept getting diarrhea, and it disrupted our family life and our studies,” says Ernestine.

In a village in the Doher canton, in southern Chad, 14-year-old Memgoto Ernestine, a fourth-grade student, still remembers the daily hardships she and her family faced before World Vision arrived. With no toilet available, she had to hide behind bushes, far from home, to relieve herself. This practice undermined her dignity and exposed her brothers and sisters to repeated bouts of diarrhea.

Today, the situation has changed dramatically. Thanks to the construction of an improved latrine by World Vision, the family finally has a safe and hygienic space. The distance has been reduced, privacy is preserved, and the children’s health has improved significantly.

Ernestine’s mother has set up a rotation system among her children to keep the latrine clean. Next to it, a jerry can of water and soap are always available for handwashing. This family routine ensures the facility’s long-term use and reinforces good hygiene practices.

“Really! Thank you for this toilet, which has completely changed our lives and our daily routine in the village,” says Ernestine with a smile.

A lasting impact

This latrine is more than just infrastructure: it represents a profound change in the family’s life. Dignity is restored, health is protected, and children can now grow up in a safer environment.

Through the Sanitation Accelerator project, funded by World Vision USA, the organization continues to provide concrete solutions to improve the quality of life for families in Chad, with a focus on health, hygiene, and human dignity.