The event brought together community leaders and private companies that support projects to bring these essential services to those who need them most .

Guatemala City, November 20, 2024. In commemoration of World Toilet Day, Water For People Guatemala held the film forum "Beyond Sanitation, Water and Hygiene: The Sounds that Change Communities," an event that highlighted the stories of thousands of rural families in Latin America who, for the first time, are gaining access to the benefits of a toilet and clean water, and how these advances have transformed their lives.

As part of the event, the documentary "Stories of Dignity" was screened, a moving piece that narrates how families in rural communities have experienced for the first time the impact of having basic sanitation services. The documentary highlights the importance of something as commonplace as the sounds of running water or a functioning toilet, symbols of dignity, health, and development.

"The sound of an open tap or a working toilet represents a paradigm shift, where families can look towards a healthier and more hopeful future," highlighted Mario Velásquez, Country Director of Water For People.

The forum included a dialogue session with representatives from private companies and academic institutions committed to these initiatives. The panel included an executive summary of Water For People's work and impact, highlighting its systemic model, "Total Coverage, Forever," which aims to guarantee access to water and sanitation.

Water For People also highlighted the importance of strategic alliances in generating a significant impact on communities. Thanks to collaborations with companies such as Kimberly-Clark, Coca-Cola Guatemala, and Life Thru Sports, among others, more than 124,000 people have benefited from access to clean drinking water, 39,000 from sanitation solutions, and 87,000 through hygiene and behavior change programs .

"These partnerships are fundamental to achieving sustainable change. They not only provide resources, but also demonstrate that the private sector has a key role to play in transforming our communities," said Mario Velásquez.

The event's motto, "Sounds that Change Communities," refers to essential sounds that many people have never heard, such as water running from a shower. This reality reflects the lack of access to decent sanitation, which affects a large part of the population. Access to these services implies not only a change in infrastructure, but also in the dignity and quality of life.

people's lives. In this context, it is crucial to reflect on how to improve the living conditions of those living in vulnerable situations, especially in rural areas of Guatemala.

The progress achieved in Guatemala through the "Total and Forever Coverage" model was also highlighted, and it also served as a platform to strengthen alliances between the public and private sectors, fostering a shared commitment towards the universalization of water, sanitation and hygiene services.

About Water For People 

Water For People is an international nonprofit organization based in Denver, Colorado. We have been working in Guatemala since 1997. Our goal is to provide water, sanitation, and hygiene services to everyone and ensure that these solutions last. We work in communities until every family, health center, and public school has high levels of safe and reliable water and sanitation service. We have a realistic plan to achieve lasting change in Guatemala, which involves working with communities, training local workers, building sustainable systems, and sharing what we have learned with the world.

Press contact:

Fralis Martínez

Cell: 4766-5277

fralis@uprelacionespublicas.com