Meredith and Dave Caley are passionate about helping developing communities gain access to clean water. Their combined skill sets uniquely contribute to achieving that end. Dave is an environmental engineer who specializes in clean water. Meredith has a background in community development and behavioral economics, and a Master’s Degree in Spanish. The Caleys have served as volunteers in the Peace Corps and Engineers Without Borders in Panama and Guatemala, respectively. As WEFTA volunteers, they recently traveled to Policarpo Galindo, located on the island of Roatan, Honduras, on a mission to help secure adequate water access for the community.
Empowering Communities toward Sustainability
Meredith and Dave strongly support WEFTA’s priority of empowering communities to sustain their safe water systems through education and information access. Soon after arriving in Policarpo Galindo, the Caleys met with the community’s Patronato, or city council, to understand the nature of the local barriers to safe water access. During a week of consultation with the community and stakeholders, the couple made an effort to provide additional information and incorporate the city council into all discussions.
In the end, paralysis over obstacles gave way to “contagious motivation” among the residents of Policarpo Galindo. The Caleys were gratified and excited to see the community empower itself. The stakeholders created action steps toward a clear picture of what they could do if they worked together, found the right partners, and broke the problem down into small steps. Although there is still much work to be done, the community is now on a path to improving the water system and operating it with the transparency necessary for success.
Partnerships as Force Multipliers
Meredith and Dave came to WEFTA after connecting with their former Peace Corps Panama manager, who works with WEFTA. This example illustrates how networking and partnering among non-governmental organizations are force multipliers when it comes extending the gift of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene around the globe. WEFTA encourages these cooperative efforts.
Now back home in Colorado with their son, the Caleys anticipate engaging again with WEFTA wherever they can be useful. There’s no doubt more opportunities await!
