Help a Kenyan Permaculture Community Drill a Well

Edit: We've adjusted the donation goals for now. Because donations have been slow going the community has decided to dig the well by hand, even though this is a difficult and physically demanding task. We're now trying to raise funds just for the solar system and the pump itself. Thank you so much for your donations, they go a long way!

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My name is Samwel Otieno Orenda, I am a born again Christian, I am the elder son in our family of two brothers and two sisters. I am married and I have two beautiful girls.We live in Western Kenya. I am a community permaculture leader and my mission is to bring permaculture fully to my community. since we are a community of small farmers facing changing weather patterns, low investments and relative isolation. I started farming in the year 2014 and I have joined permaculture training that was hosted in our County of Homa Bay. My farming project helps provide food from my farm to the community. Apart from working in my farm project every day, I always walk to the villages to teach the families on how to grow healthy food for their families. Permaculture teaches how to learn from nature to build resilient systems that are more than sustainable: they generate degraded lands and help build community.

Access to clean water is a critical issue that profoundly affects the lives of African children and our community. Here are some key points about the water challenges we are facing:

1. Water scarcity: Many regions in Africa experience water scarcity, with limited access to safe and reliable water sources. This scarcity impacts children our community the most as they often bear the responsibility of collecting water for their families, walking long distances, and spending hours each day to fetch water, which can take away valuable time from education and play.

2. Lack of clean water sources: Even when water is available, it may be contaminated, leading to waterborne diseases. Children are particularly vulnerable to illnesses like diarrhea, cholera, and dysentery, which can be life-threatening. Lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities contributes to high child mortality rates in Africa.

3. Educational impact: Insufficient access to clean water negatively affects children's education. When children have to spend a significant amount of time collecting water, they are unable to attend school regularly or focus on their studies. Lack of water and sanitation facilities in schools further exacerbates the issue, making it challenging for children, especially girls, to attend school comfortably and maintain good hygiene.

4. Impact on health and well-being: Inadequate access to clean water affects children's overall health and well-being. Waterborne diseases and poor sanitation contribute to malnutrition, stunted growth, and weakened immune systems. Lack of water for personal hygiene also leads to increased vulnerability to other diseases and infections.

5. Economic implications: Water scarcity affects economic opportunities for families and communities. When water is not readily available, it limits agricultural activities, affects livestock health, and hampers income-generating opportunities. This, in turn, impacts the overall well-being and future prospects of children.

6. Climate change and water stress: Climate change exacerbates water scarcity in many African regions. Erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and desertification further strain water resources, making it even more challenging for children and communities to access clean water.

Addressing the water challenges faced by African children requires concerted efforts and sustainable solutions. Some key strategies to consider include:

- Investing in water infrastructure: Building and maintaining water infrastructure, such as boreholes, wells, and piped water systems, can improve access to clean water for communities and schools.

- Water treatment and purification: Implementing water treatment systems, promoting proper hygiene practices, and educating communities about the importance of clean water can help reduce waterborne diseases.

- Sanitation and hygiene promotion: Access to clean water must be complemented by adequate sanitation facilities, including latrines and handwashing stations, to promote good hygiene practices and prevent the spread of diseases.

- Community involvement and capacity building: Engaging local communities in water management initiatives, providing training on sustainable water practices, and empowering them to take ownership of water resources can have long-lasting benefits.

- Climate resilience and water conservation: Promoting water conservation practices, implementing rainwater harvesting systems, and exploring innovative solutions that address the impact of climate change on water resources can help build resilience and mitigate water scarcity.

By prioritizing access to clean water, African children can enjoy better health, increased educational opportunities, and a brighter future. It requires collaboration between organizations, communities, and individuals to ensure sustainable access to clean water for all.

We are requesting to raise $ 12000 to drill a borehole for clean water for our community to help us eradicate all these challenges.

Here is the break down of $ 12000

Drilling depth is 150 metres = $ 9286

Cost of the pump = $ 667

Cost of the solar panels and the taps and the Tank = $ 1955.

We are requesting all our friends to help in reaching out the goal by donating, sharing and posting. No any donations is too small. Every cent counts. Thanks all . We really appreciate you!!!!!