15-16
Special spoons for measuring the sugar and salt have also been used. Some
of these spoons are manufactured in developed countries. Others can be made in
villages—even by children. The advantages and disadvantages of several kinds are
discussed below.
APPROPRIATE AS A MODEL
MORE APPROPRIATE
Sugar
Salt
Plastic measuring spoons for making
Special Drink are now being used in
several countries. They are distributed by
TALC (see p. Back 3). For those who can
read, a big advantage is that instructions
are printed right on the spoon.
Unfortunately, these spoons have
some of the same disadvantages as
the packets of rehydration salts. They
are produced using high technology
(plastic), so people must depend on an
outside supply. Also, they add a sense
of mystery to what is basically a simple
process. (A mother may feel unable to
make the Special Drink because she
has lost her ‘magic’ plastic spoon.) So
TALC now recommends that the plastic
spoons be used mainly as models for
health groups, school children, and
villagers who want to make their own
spoons using local resources. For that
purpose, TALC will send a free sample
spoon on request.
Sugar
Salt
A similar spoon can be made
from old bottle caps and beer or
juice cans—or from other materials
commonly found in villages. In
Mexico, children have made
hundreds of these spoons through
the CHILD-to-child program. By
making and learning to use the
spoons themselves, people realize
there is nothing magical about
the Special Drink. And if they lose
a spoon, they can easily make
another one.
In designing an appropriate
homemade spoon for your
particular area, take care to see
that each spoon made will measure
about the same amount. For
example, the spoon shown above
uses a standard sized bottle cap for
the sugar scoop. And the salt scoop
is made to the diameter of a pencil.
For instructions on how to make
this spoon, see p. 24-21.
Another kind of measuring spoon can
be made by drilling holes in a small piece
of wood.
Drill the holes to be as
wide and deep as shown in
the drawing at right. Or you
can carve the holes, taking
care to make them the right
size. A model plastic spoon
like the one shown above can
be used to check the sizes of
the holes you have made.
10 mm.
MORE APPROPRIATE
20 mm.
10 mm.
7 mm.