An impactful Stakeholders Engagement on En-WASH (Environmental, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) took place at the Nanton District Community Center. Organized by the Affram Plains Development Organization (APDO) in collaboration with the Environmental Health Unit of the Nanton District Assembly, this program aimed to bring together community members, chiefs, assemblymen, and other stakeholders to discuss progress, share success stories, and plan actionable steps for improving water, sanitation, and hygiene in the district.
The event started promptly with registration from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m., as participants arrived, signed in, and settled down for the day’s activities. Following the registration, the program began with an opening prayer, led by a volunteer, setting a reflective tone for the gathering. The dignitaries were then introduced, allowing everyone to acknowledge the presence of key figures from the community, including representatives from APDO, the Environmental Health Unit, and district leadership.
One of the highlights of the opening was a welcome address, which set the scene for the engagement by emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) issues. An update on En-WASH activities in the district was then provided by the APDO team, summarizing past accomplishments, ongoing projects, and the challenges encountered.
The program included a dedicated session for community members to share success stories and impacts from their personal experiences with WASH projects. This part of the event, led by representatives from four ODF (Open Defecation-Free) communities, was particularly inspiring as it showcased the tangible benefits of WASH initiatives, such as improved sanitation practices and increased access to clean water.
After a short snack break, the focus shifted to the League Table Presentation by the Programs Director, which ranked the progress of various communities within the district in meeting WASH goals. This presentation provided an objective view of each community’s achievements and areas for improvement, fostering a sense of accountability and motivation among the attendees.
The afternoon was marked by an open forum discussion, allowing chiefs, assemblymen, and community members to voice their concerns, share suggestions, and actively engage in dialogue on how to further enhance WASH initiatives. This discussion was followed by an action planning session, where attendees worked collaboratively to outline specific goals and steps that could be implemented to maintain and improve their current sanitation standards.
The event concluded with the awarding of ODF certificates to communities that had successfully met open defecation-free targets, a proud moment that underscored the commitment and hard work of these communities in creating a healthier environment. In closing, the District Coordinating Director (DCD) provided remarks, encouraging continued dedication to the cause.
A closing prayer marked the end of the engagement activities, after which attendees enjoyed a communal lunch, fostering connections and a sense of unity among participants. This stakeholders’ engagement was a successful initiative that underscored the importance of collective action, awareness, and community-driven solutions to address environmental health and hygiene challenges in the Nanton District.
