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HEALTH AND SANITATION
David Viola , IAPMO CEO
In the spirit of the sharing of unique experiences that shape the plumbing industries in our respective nations , the following article looks at how IAPMO ’ s non-profit organisation , IWSH helped provide suitable laundry facilities for a college that serves American Indian students . Written by IAPMO staff writer Mike Flenniken , it is the next in a regular series of similar articles that will run in this magazine . Dave Viola IAPMO CEO
IWSH improving access to hygiene facilities for American Indian students at Bacone College
By Mike Flenniken
A team from the International Water , Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation ( IWSH ) — IAPMO ’ s philanthropic organisation — with support from volunteers , constructed a laundry facility for the students living on campus at Bacone College , Oklahoma ’ s oldest operating institution of higher learning , which has served American Indian students for 140 years .
Supporting under-resourced schools is a core part of IWSH ’ s focus . Bacone College , along with other tribal colleges and universities , helps eliminate barriers to a college education for many Native students by providing an opportunity to earn a degree and have adequate housing at a low cost . However , students living on campus did not previously have access to suitable laundry facilities .
“ We knew our students would benefit from a laundry facility so they wouldn ’ t have to drive off campus and spend their valuable time and money on services that we wanted the college to provide ,” said Dr Leroy Thompson , chief operating officer for Bacone College . “ Because we ’ re a historic college , many of our plumbing and HVAC systems are dated . Here at Bacone , our goal is to provide quality education and help American Indians improve their future and gain access to opportunities . This laundry facility is one facet of improving student life by providing access to affordable and reliable hygiene services . Thank you to IWSH for what they did for our students – a seemingly small project will make a huge difference in the students ’ lives .”
To help provide these students with convenient and efficient laundry facilities , the IWSH team spent the first week of April fully remodelling an existing classroom , transforming it into a laundry facility that includes two sets of washers and dryers , as well as a wash sink . The work included installing drains , water lines , gas piping and venting , and was implemented by volunteer , licensed plumbers .
IWSH
Plumber Michael LaVoie ( left ), and Randy Lorge ( right ), project director for IWSH North America , next to the newly installed washing machines at Bacone College .
“ This laundry facility is one facet of improving student life by providing access to affordable and reliable hygiene services . ”
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline July 2023 Volume 29 I Number 5