Clean, Healthy Water

Greetings!  April 2020, and we find ourselves in a world we certainly didn’t anticipate. Each day, cases of Covid- 19 are confirmed in Sub-Saharan Africa. We have numerous concerns, but we are not trying to predict how the pandemic will be expressed and experienced in that part of the world. Kisioki, Mesha, and I, together with our experienced and long-term Project staff, have deeply considered the situation. In response, we've created policies to guide us through. Things are not static and we will adapt as necessary. Read below to explore our current approach--subject to change as conditions change. I share this with you because we want and need you with us, as colleagues, as understanding friends, as collaborators, and as those who can help us with essential funds.   And in the midst of all this, there is also plenty of good news to share. Read below for wonderful news about recent progress in water sanitation and in strengthening our widows groups. Thank you for making it possible for the work to continue, now more than ever. I'm thinking of you and sending you all the best for continuing health, safety, and well-being. Thank you for all your faith and support.

Be well! Twende! Robert Lange April 2020

Navigating in the time of Covid-19

Carrying clean water home

During this extraordinary time we continue to build, install, and create. We will hold no large meetings or host celebrations. There are lots of wonderful things to do with small teams that include three to six people working together. We are arranging transportation, purchasing, and labor in ways that do not require work teams to mingle with those outside their group. Maasai Stoves & Solar Covid-19 Policies We are adapting methods of organizing work that do not increase the likelihood of virus transmission To avoid aggravating poverty, we are continuing to employ our current staff and maintaining salary levels

Water news

Achieving a water sanitation collaboration with the District Government has been very important to us. We have been trying to make this possible for several years, and it is finally becoming a reality. Mr. Neville Msaki, the new Manager of the Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), set up a permanent office in the District Government Complex. He is determined to accomplish things for the people now.

Mr. Msaki (far right) and colleagues with Mbuyuni II Water Manager (second from right)

We had taken the Monduli District Commissioner and the District Executive Director to see our chlorination installations at polluted ponds in Mbuyuni. These leaders were impressed, but have broad missions and didn't make the collaboration a priority. However, when we gave Mr. Msaki a tour of our work, it finally clicked, as it linked so well with his own mission. Kisioki met with Mr. Msaki several times. They established concrete steps for working together. The first step will bring clean, safe water to the people of Lemooti village. Kisioki and I had done the design and engineering for their system many months ago. The recent meetings covered decisions about dividing the expenses. Funds will come from RUWASA and the villagers, with the Project providing only a small portion of the funds.

Most importantly, the work crew will include some people from the government water department. This will allow them to build on a full grasp of the project design and engineering. This is a great beginning. We hope the collaboration will continue on an ongoing basis. .

Waterborne disease from this typical water source is a severe health problem

We hope to continue as consultants and advisors, but not funders, as the government scales up the application of our innovative technology. It is so important for health because waterborne disease is the most severe health problem the children face. We are highly gratified to arrive at this moment, as the water system's great health benefits obviously lay within the goals of the government. Together, we can bring the benefits to so many more people.

Becoming experts at using collective banks

Widow's organizations move forward

We're happy to report that the eleven widow's organizations have made excellent progress. The groups have become expert at using their own collective banks in ways that demonstrate the creativity and initiative of empowered women.

Each group of women has its own community bank. This is not the usual micro-loan model, because there is no outside institution from which they borrow. The women themselves buy shares every week, building up their balances. They make all the decisions about loans as the collective owners of their bank. First in collaboration with the Global Fund for Widows and then later on our own, we give the groups grants that go straight into their banks. This allows their growing creativity in using their banks to have the empowering boost of additional funds. A generous donor enabled our recent grants. They contributed funds that allowed us to give each of the eleven groups a one million shilling grant ($435.)

Mesha Singolyo addressing a widow's group

Kisioki and Mesha , along with her three assistant organizers, visited three of the eleven groups to deliver the grants. They also took advantage of the opportunity to discuss social distancing and other contagion protection measures. As public health concerns are now increasing in the area, the other eight groups will receive their grants via funds transfer methods through their phones.   The widows take loans to strengthen their individual businesses and to help with school uniforms, family expenses, and home repair.   The repayment experience has been flawless. People are ready and able to take advantage of every chance for life improvement through work and cooperation.

A widow participating in community banking

Sharing a moment of appreciation

When a training and organization model is good, it is possible to step back and marvel at the power and imagination of the people. it is truly beautiful. Thank you for taking part.

Mesha, Bob, and Kisioki

Thank you to Philip Lange and Kisioki Moitiko for photography

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