At our November 6, 2023 meeting, our guest speaker was Pennye Nixon – Etta Program in Bolivia.
Pennye Nixon was Selected as 2017 Greater Tacoma Peace Prize Laureate. Pennye Nixon thoughtfully responded to an inquiry about her work. “I like to talk about poop.” Nixon explained that there are two precursors to public health – clean water and sanitation – and that sanitation is often forgotten about when assisting impoverished areas. As the Founder and Director of Operations for Etta Projects, Nixon directs projects that construct sanitation facilities and provide clean water in rural Bolivian villages. These exceptional peacebuilding efforts are why the Greater Tacoma Peace Prize (GTTP) was proud to announce the selection of Pennye Nixon as the 2017 Laureate this evening, at the Etta Projects 13th Annual Auction.
Pennye shared that the Etta Project was created to honor her daughter who was killed in a bus accident in Montero Bolivia. The project is a Global Grant focused on Sexual & Reproductive Health through education and making informed choices. The 2-year project cost $96,530 and assisted 30,000 students, created 21 health clinics, 1000+ women received long-acting (4) year contraceptives, and directly touched 30,000 people. The Etta project partners with the Bolivian communities to identify needs and together create sustainable solutions. Over 42,000 villagers served the Community Health promoters, 47 villages were provided with clean and safe drinking water, and 743 composting latrines were built with keeping clean hygiene in mind. 7950 adolescents have been trained in sexual health and Womens’ empowerment.
She showed pictures of the training classes for teens on the use of condoms and contraceptives which were presented in a fun lighthearted manner to engage the students. Aids and other STDs are a huge problem in the area.
The woman on the left, a 92-year-old community member who was blessed with a family latrine, said: “I know I will not be in this life for long. My only regret is that I cannot bring my beautiful new latrine with me!” Dona Juana, age 92, after Etta Projects built latrines in the village of Betania.
What a beautiful and heartwarming presentation and sharing. Thank you Pennye Nixon and Etta Projects!
