Pedaling for Progress

Providing Clean Water in Africa
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The Project
Our goal is to raise money to build 2 water wells in Western Kenya (if you haven't already, read why water is so important to breaking the cycle of poverty in Africa).  The project is sponsored by the Kakelo Empowerment Group, who live in Oyugis (see map), in Nyanza province, Kenya.  The group was formed to synergize efforts on projects and securing funding.  Its membership is diverse and includes women's groups, community health workers, youth groups, people living with HIV/AIDS, orphans and faith-based groups.  The communities in the project area face a number of problems related to poor access to clean water.  Children do not have access to good drinking water either at home or at school.  Both women and children often have to walk 3-6 miles every day looking for water.  This takes much of the time that should be devoted to other activities like going to school, working in the gardens, or pursuing other income generating activities.  At the same time, their energy is further sapped by a variety of water borne diseases which are preventable with a secure supply of clean water.  These diseases make it even more difficult for children to attend school and for adults to be productive with their days.  In addition, clean water is critical to keeping their livestock healthy.  These two wells will make a tangible difference to the 500 people that live in this community.

 

The Water Engineer says that there have been no engineering problems in sinking and constructing wells in this area; water should be found between 35-40 feet.  The wells will be fenced to keep animals from damaging the well structures.  In keeping with Global Partners strategy, the community is responsible for sharing the effort of constructing the wells.  In this case, the community has contributed the land for the well sites.  Community members will also clear the site and collect stones needed for the wells, perform all unskilled labor necessary to complete the wells, establish a fund for necessary repairs, and see that water quality tests are performed regularly. 

 

Thank you to Global Partners for these photos of the Kakelo Community

These are the community members who are sponsoring the project.

Why Global Partners for Development?
There are many organizations that provide aid to Africa and many ways to provide that aid, but not all strategies are effective.  It is therefore important to find the right organization to work with on an endeavor like this. 
For the Tour de H2O we have partnered with Global Partners for Development (GPFD).  GPFD raises funds to provide resources and skills for basic survival, promoting self-sufficiency and education in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.  They engage in a variety of projects with communities, including building systems to provide clean water, providing animals that offer income generating opportunities for women, educating teachers and providing medical supplies.  We really believe in their strategy and tactics.  In particular:
 

 

  

“Ending Poverty Through the Power of Partnership”

  

 Most importantly, we have proven experience with GPFD and know that when we fund a project through them, the money goes where it is intended to go, and the project will be executed.  When we funded a well in the summer of 2008 (read our story here), construction began in December, and we were with GPFD in Kenya for the ribbon cutting ceremony in February of 2009.  This is an organization that gets things done.  During our visit, we saw many of GPFD’s projects in Kenya and Tanzania and were impressed with the way they partner with the communities in which they work and hold the communities responsible for the ongoing sustainability of their projects.  People donating to GPFD can be certain that their money is going to change peoples’ lives in very tangible ways.
 
 A Video About Global Partners for Development