PWW Team Member Highlight: June 2019
Each month we are featuring a member of PWW’s staff. This gives you the opportunity to get to know our team a little better and gain an understanding about what makes them such a special part of PWW’s safe water programs.
PWW Team Member: Luvaner Présendieu, PWW Haiti Team
PWW Office: Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Position within PWW: Bio-sand Filter Technician
Years with PWW: 11
How did you first learn about PWW?
I was a technician at another organization in Artibonite. I learned that PWW was looking for a Bio-sand Filter Technician. As I had worked in this field before, I accepted the job and have been with PWW ever since.
What inspires you the most about the work you do?
I love what I am doing because my work allows me to travel across the country a lot. I also earn a salary in a country where most of the population does not.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My days at PWW are mostly spent doing sand preparation for the bio-sand filters. I wash the sand, measure the sand, and wash the gravel. I also deliver and install the filters in family homes.
What has been your favorite project…or your proudest moment?
One of my favorite projects with PWW was a project in which we implemented filters and hygiene training in 980 homes in Mirebalais, Haiti. The population of families in this region showed a lot of interest in PWW’s program, and the expectation was huge! In other words, our 980 homes project was not enough! More families were eager to participate. The result was great! And, the filters are being very well maintained by the families.
What has been your greatest challenge?
January 10, 2012. The day of the massive earthquake in Haiti. We were in the field, implementing a project at Jeremie, when the earthquake struck. It was the end of the day. We were on our way back to the place we were staying in Jeremie. We ran to hide under people’s houses, instead of avoiding them. We stayed in Jeremie for an additional 15 days, following the earthquake. It was my greatest challenge.
What is your favorite thing about working for PWW?
I am at ease and comfortable whenever I am installing a bio-sand filter. I have been doing it for so long, since 2006 (the very first place I was working). Installing filters is my passion, working with PWW.
Tell us a little bit about your family.
I live in Croix-des-Bouquets, about 45 minutes from work. I live in my house with my little brother. My daughter, Dyessie Carle Présendieu, lives with her aunt, her older sister, and her mom in Delmas. While her mom is not always able to be present for her because she is working a lot (sometimes late at night), it is easier because the schools are better there than they are where I live.
What is your favorite activity to do when you are not working?
When I am not working at PWW, I stay at my house farming and cleaning. I like farming a lot!
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is smash corn, with smash vegetable, and bean sauce.
Anything else you want people to know about you?
I don’t have anything to add. I am very glad working with PWW.