Aude Nanquette in Burkina Faso

The volunteer

Originally from Lille, France, Aude Nanquette has travelled to Burkina Faso on behalf of EWB to partner with Le Centre Régional pour l'Eau Potable et l'Assainissement à faible coût (CREPA).

Created in 1988, CREPA specializes in researching, developing and promoting advanced technologies and strategies pertaining to drinking water and sanitation. The organization, which operates throughout central and western Africa, is based in Burkina Faso.

The challenge

The risk of catching an infectious disease in this French-speaking country is very high, and food and waterborne diseases, such as hepatitis A and typhoid fever, are common. In fact, less than half of the rural population has access to potable water. There's a particular concern for schools, where drinking water, hand-washing stations and toilets are not readily available.

Sadly, as a result of this situation and a number of other health-related concerns, many Burkinabes are only expected to live into their 50s. As such, Burkina Faso sits near the bottom of the 177 countries ranked on the United Nation’s Human Development Index.

The opportunity

Aude is affiliated with a project that aims to improve drinking water and sanitation infrastructure in seven communities throughout the Burkinabe province of Gnagna. The initiative is funded by UNICEF in collaboration with the Bukinabe Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries.

In particular, Aude is helping to improve the efficacy of the CREPA project and build its capacity to bring about change among populations in need. Her goal is to help improve access to clean water, enhance public health and play an indirect role in helping children – and particularly young girls – gain an education.