Meet a Michigan woman with A Vision for Clean Water

A trip to Nepal changed the way Eileen Heasley and her husband, John, looked at the world.

"My son was the first one in Nepal," said Heasley, who is now Executive Director of A Vision for Clean Water. "My husband and I joined him, and we all experienced the filthy water. I did not even trust the city water in Kathmandu (the capital and largest city)."

They made a decision to help one orphanage, and John Heasley became interested in filter technology. He was certified through Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology, which offers technical training in water and sanitation for the poor in developing countries. Soon, the Heasleys began encouraging others to take the training, and a non-profit organization was born.

The trips to Nepal expanded as well. The volunteers who join in all pay their own travel expenses. One young man who volunteered recently had been unable to find a job and decided to take the CAWST training. Because his certification is recognized in developing countries, A Vision for Clean Water was able to connect him with a village that needed assistance.

In addition to individuals, A Vision for Clean Water is supported by the Troy Rotary Club, of which Eileen is president. One village has been adopted by the American Association of University Women and others are supported by church groups.

"One time, a hotel owner approached us and wanted to take care of the villagers around his hotel," Eileen said.

Since 2002, 13 villages have been helped or are in process. A Vision for Clean Water has changed its approach; now, rather than picking villages, they wait to be approached. That way, the organization is dealing with villagers who are willing to pay a portion of the cost and do the work required to improve sanitation and keep their water clean.

“The reality is, they have to change their behavior,” Eileen said.

A wonderful synergy has developed through A Vision for Clean Water as well; once they’ve cleaned up the water in a village, another organization comes in to install outdoor toilets. “We have found that $1,000 is all we need to do one village. The filter is not what’s saving lives. It’s the hygiene training.”

Anyone with an interest can take the training, which will be offered in Michigan next fall. If you have an interest in helping A Vision for Clean Water or traveling to Nepal, contact Eileen Heasley via e-mail eheasley@avisionforcleanwater.org

Learn more at http://avisionforcleanwater.blogspot.com/