Justus and Midius' story
In the heart of Katagiramizi village a name that means “dry village”lives Begumanya Justus, a 43-year-old father of five, and his wife Kyampiere Midius, aged 39. For years, life in their home followed a familiar pattern. Each day began with fetching water from a swamp 3km away and ended in a house where poor sanitation was an everyday struggle. Their old, crumbling latrine with no door, no privacy; just a ramshackle. Their children often fell sick with diarrhea and stomach infections, and most of their meagre income went towards buying medicine instead of food or school fees. With time, they got familiar with this situation, to the extent that it simply became part of the family’s “normal” life.
Everything changed when Africa Water Solutions came to their village, to implement a sanitation and hygiene improvement program. Justus and Midius attended a triggering session which opened their eyes. For the first time, they realized that poor sanitation was not only uncomfortable, but it was also dangerous and undignified. They felt ashamed but also determined to change.
When the community formed a sanitation committee, residents suggested that men from households with poor sanitation should join so that they could lead by example. Justus was one of them. Humbled yet inspired, he vowed to transform his home and prove that change was possible.
The very next day, Justus began working. He dug a new pit, built stronger walls and roofed his latrine. He even crafted a tight-fitting squat hole cover from stone, an idea that amazed his neighbours. When AWS visited a month later, they found a completely transformed home which was clean, organized and the members were full of happiness. Later, he replaced the stone cover with a sato pan, further improving hygiene.
Julius stands infront of his old latrine
Midius stands at the entrance to their new bathroom
Together, Justus and Midius began encouraging their neighbours to improve their own facilities. Soon, people from across Katagiramizi came to learn from them. Their home, once known for poor sanitation, became a model household for WASH improvement in the village and the surrounding. With improved health, the couple turned their attention to livelihoods. Justus started rabbit rearing, piggery and goat keeping, and their savings grew.
Recently, AWS recognized his efforts with a 6,000 litre rainwater harvesting tank, which he generously shares with his neighbours. Standing proudly in front of his clean, beautiful home, Justus reflects on his journey. What began as shame during a community triggering, later on sparked a holistic turn, a transformation that has changed his home, his mindset and his future.
“We no longer live in a ‘dry village,” he says with a smile. “We live in a place of hope.”