Verghese V Joseph –
Goa: Auxilium Skills Academy and Auxilium Nisarg Mitra, the vocational training and ecology arm of the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco Province of Mumbai, orchestrated a significant three-day National Conference on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs.
Held from March 20th to March 23rd, 2024, at the St. Joseph Vaz Retreat Center in Karmali, Goa, the conference’s central objective was to confront critical challenges within WASH programs, evaluating outcomes and strategizing for future endeavours, with a specific focus on marginalized communities.
Inaugurated by Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, CCBI Chairperson for Ecology, the gathering saw 65 participants from nine states, including policymakers, government officials, NGOs, academia, and industry experts. The conference provided a diverse platform for stakeholders to engage in discussions and share insights.
The National Conference on WASH Programs facilitated by Auxilium Skills Academy served as a collaborative platform for addressing challenges within the sector. With renewed commitment from stakeholders, the conference set the stage for transformative change, ensuring access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for communities nationwide.
The conference deliberated and shared knowledge to facilitate the exchange of best practices and insights among participants. Workshops and training sessions were conducted to enhance attendees’ capabilities in implementing sustainable and community-centric WASH programs.
Deliberations culminated in the formulation of policy recommendations aimed at enhancing access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education, especially in underserved regions.
The conference explored innovative technological solutions, such as water purification systems and sanitation solutions, to address WASH challenges efficiently.
Networking opportunities fostered collaborations between stakeholders, promoting a coordinated approach towards achieving WASH objectives.
Following the discussions, action plans emphasized community participation and ownership in WASH initiatives, empowering local communities to spearhead improvements in water and sanitation practices.
Strategies were also devised to enhance education and awareness programmes on hygiene practices, targeting urban and rural populations for sustainable behaviour change.
Plans were outlined for infrastructure development, including water supply systems and sanitation facilities, ensuring equitable access to WASH services.
Mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating WASH interventions were discussed, promoting data-driven approaches for progress assessment and improvement identification.
Advocacy campaigns were proposed to raise awareness among policymakers and stakeholders, advocating for increased investment and policy support for WASH programs.
Auxilium Skills Academy, managed by the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, is a prominent institution dedicated to skill development and social empowerment among marginalized youth across four Indian states and a union territory. Auxilium Nisarg Mitra, its Ecology wing, engages 2000 youth in environmental protection initiatives, integrating WASH practices into their efforts.
Congratulations dear Sr. Rosaline and team for organizing such a wonderful and important event. I wish you take it ahead as envisaged in your future plans and make it livening and beneficial to the marginalised people and care for the earth….