Improving Water and Sanitation at RHERI

Access to clean water and safe sanitation facilities can have a profound impact on the health, wellbeing, and dignity of a community. That’s why we’re excited to share a new partnership between RHERI, Latter-day Saint Charities, and SafeHavens, that will bring clean drinking water and much-needed upgrades to the boy’s toilet facilities at the RHERI Deaf community home in Nepal.

For many years, the RHERI hostel has relied on untreated groundwater from a borehole well that is around 20 years old. While the water is generally suitable for use,  it becomes contaminated during monsoon season, making it unsafe for drinking. During these periods, children and staff are at increased risk of waterborne illnesses such as diarrhea, stomach infections, and intestinal worms, leading to sickness within the hostel and contributing to the spread of illness throughout the wider community. These illnesses not only affect health and wellbeing but can also lead to missed school days and reduced educational opportunities.

The boys’ toilet facilities also face significant challenges. Built more than a decade ago, the toilets frequently flood during monsoon season due to drainage and septic system issues, creating unsanitary conditions and increasing the risk of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea. At times, the facilities become unusable, forcing boys and male staff to rely on other bathrooms and creating concerns around privacy and dignity.

This new partnership seeks to address these challenges through practical, long-term solutions.  Latter-day Saint Charities will fund the installation of a clean drinking water system and upgrades to the boys’ toilet facilities, improving health, safety, and quality of life for the children and staff who call RHERI home.

At SafeHavens, one of our priorities is building sustainable partnerships that strengthen the work of local community advocates. Alongside supporting the delivery of the project, SafeHavens will help RHERI build its capacity in project management, monitoring, and evaluation. The project will be overseen by our In-Country Manager, Sita Ram, whose experience and local knowledge will help ensure the work is delivered effectively, while also providing practical training and mentorship to the RHERI team throughout the process.

We are incredibly grateful to Latter-day Saint Charities (especially Karl and Linda Johnson) for making this project possible, and to our partner RHERI for their unwavering commitment to the children in their care. Together, we are helping create a healthier, safer environment for children who rightly deserve it.