A farewell dinner for Kyla. She has graced our lives for almost two months as a volunteer at Aid Africa. She reminds me so much of my own daughter Kayla. I have enjoyed her friendship in a place that can be so isolating and hope she returns again soon. Kyla, you touched many lives while you were here, and I know you were changed by the experience as well. Wat Ma Beh.
Standing: Lilly, Priscilla, Julie (Board Member in CA), Freda, Rhona and Gloria
Sitting: Peter Keller (Executive Director), Issa, Xavier, George
With the exception of our visitors, Peter and Julie, these are the people I work with on a daily basis at Aid Africa. Lilly is over the tree nursury. Freda handles the daily cash expenditures, Issa is manager. Xavier is the stove project manager. George is our human resource manager and oversees the water projects. We are missing Jenna, our Peace Corp Volunteer, in the picture.
After working all day long, it is sometimes a good idea to share some swallowship and fellowship! We were able to convince Peter to come to BJZ with us for Quiz Night. Because of him, our team scored very well. Our Team Name was "Bad Ass Stove Makers", and it is a fitting name! Top row is Kyla and Jenna. Sitting is George, me and Peter. Peter came the end of April for a month and he brought Kyla, a recent college graduate, with him. She stayed an extra three weeks.
Shamz, Jenna and Okello
When Jenna's boyfriend Naimat, known here as Okello, came to Gulu for the first time in January, his heart was touched by the lack of acess to clean water for the people of Gulu. He returned in May with the pumps and technology that are used in Pakistan. He believes that drilling a borehole shouldn't cost the $8-$10,000 it currently costs to drill here. He believes that his pump, from beginning to end, can be drilled and installed for around $500. I saw it happen. Now he has to convince the community leaders, private investors and NGOs to bring more pumps from Pakistan. I believe his dream will come true.
Most of Aid Africa staff, including Peter Keller, Executive Director, are celebrating the installation of the first Pakistan pump in the village Loyoboo. Notice how the handle is much smaller than the traditional pumps here. With just a little push, a LOT of water gushes out.
The first pump is installed and operating. It still needs the cement base and water catchment area. All the parts for maintenance are above ground for this pump. It is very easy and low cost to maintain. There are no casing pipes to remove or replace underground. This village child is enjoying how EASY it is to get a great amount of water!
The drilling was done by hand with the help of this pulley. No large trucks or machines were used. Okello and Shams had the drill bit designed and made in Gulu. It pounds right through rock, sand, and the dark red clay. It runs on man power.
This is some of the "man power" I was talking about. Except one thing. See that person in the green tank with mud all over her pants? That is our Kyla. She worked right there next to the men and was never afraid of hard work, sweat, mud and heat. She was able to save a few frogs here and there. So I need to correct my comment. The drill bit works on "man and woman power". Go Kyla! Now some of you might be asking, "Where is Rhona in this picture?" Remember, I am the accountant. I was accounting for things. :) LOL
No comments:
Post a Comment