The second trip to the village of Abetenim took place one year later in March of 2016. The original Solterre team was joined by Halifax architect John Crace. This trip focused on micro-enterprise in the village, women’s health, and water and sanitation efforts.

Projects undertaken included the establishment of a sewing co-op to sell menstrual kits, an effort to boost local enterprise and help girls remain in school during their cycles. Water and sanitation are serious concerns in the village so composting latrines at the library and school were also built in order to improve the sanitary conditions in the village.

To further encourage public health, environmental sustainability, and local enterprise, the team endeavored to create an efficient cookstove project. These simple clay “rocket stoves” improve upon the traditional “three-rock” stoves in that they burn significantly less wood, can cook faster, and reduce smoke inhalation among users.