In El Cairo village, Diana transformed her role from a quiet participant to a community leader, helping improve water access and decision-making at home and in her association. “The project hasn’t just helped me – it has helped us all. The WASH training has changed our understanding of hygiene.”

A mother and daughter team lead a garbage bank that collects 200kg of waste monthly. Their leadership has inspired neighbors and helped turn trash into goods — and income. “We must seize the opportunity by doing our part.” – Pagit, Garbage Bank Manager

As a village council leader and father, Markus trained farmers – especially women – in eco-friendly fertilizer techniques, improving both crop quality and family incomes. “I am very grateful to the MECIHO team... helping us appreciate the environment and realize that waste can be transformed into a source of income.”

In Tanjung Barus community, a team of young men and women created organic fertilizer from household waste, helping their families lower costs and reduce chemical inputs. “I did not realize that household waste could be turned into valuable fertilizer... This has a very positive impact on our agriculture.” – Erbika, Youth Leader

Taranesia is a peer educator, leading her schoolmates in hygiene and waste management activities — and boosting her confidence and public speaking skills in the process. “Waste doesn’t have to be a big issue for us. We can overcome these issues by ourselves… because it starts with us. If it’s not us, who else?”

Neighbors Mirta and Mahdalena have turned their waste bank into a youth-friendly community center, where children deposit trash, read books and play educational games about hygiene. “When we introduce these ideas to children, they absorb them so quickly … It’s about teaching them early that cleanliness and health matter.” – Mahdalena, Waste Bank Treasurer

A community champion, Sumiati turns waste into value — converting kitchen and farm waste into organic fertilizer and upcycling instant coffee wrappers into mats and bags she sells. “It's better to recycle what we can… Anything we can reuse, we reuse.”