In the peaceful but underserved village of Binodpur, privacy is a luxury many still can’t afford—especially when it comes to sanitation. In most homes, personal toilets are rare, and three to four families often share a single facility. For others, daily routines still mean walking to the fields or riverbanks, often under the cover of early morning darkness or late evening shadows.

That, however, began to change when Transformational Community Development (TCD) sessions opened the eyes of villagers to a basic but powerful truth: a personal toilet isn’t just about convenience—it’s about dignity, health, and safety.

Motivated by this newfound awareness, the TCD Wellness Committee mobilized. Using bamboo, polythene, and other local materials, they helped families construct low-cost toilets. Pankaj’s family was among the first to take the initiative. With the guidance of TCD and support from their neighbors, they built a modest toilet—functional but fragile.

Then came the monsoon.

Each year, heavy rains and occasional cyclones batter these makeshift structures. For Pankaj and others, the joy of progress quickly turns into an annual struggle for repair and rebuilding. The dream of a durable, concrete toilet remains just out of reach, with costs climbing to around ₹20,000 ($233)—far beyond what most families can afford.

That’s where GHNI stepped in. To bridge the gap, GHNI supplied ₹10,000 ($115) to Pankaj’s family, helping them take a significant step toward a permanent solution. With half the funds in hand, hope is no longer just a concept—it’s under construction.

Yet the road ahead remains challenging. Many families in Binodpur still long for a safe, strong toilet of their own. The desire is there, the vision is clear—but without continued support and sustainable resources, their efforts may remain vulnerable to the next storm.

Thank you,

Written by Bimal, GHNI TCD Worker