The aim of our Revolution Project is to continue to help with water and hygiene projects in the arid and under resourced parts of Africa.
We will be focusing on the village of Olemegili, where lack of clean water and proper sanitation, are the primary factors leading to poverty in this community. Women in the village walk 12 hours to obtain water, carrying 20 liter bottles weighing 40 lbs. Proper sanitation and hygiene are not a part of the culture in Olemegili; the people do not understand the link between unsanitary conditions and disease.
Olemegili has a small preschool, but the nearest elementary school is more than three miles away. The women in the village often carry their young children to and from school. Illiteracy is almost 100%, so villagers lack basic information about the world outside their local community.
Our response will focus primarily on water and sanitation, one of the leading causes of poverty in this community. The nature of the geography in Olemegili makes it a good location for a water pan. Water pans require the use of slopes to help funnel water during the rainy season into the pan itself. The water that is collected from the rainy season can last up to six months, often bridging the gap from one season to the next.
In Olemegili, a water pan, is currently under construction. There are plans to construct two shallow water wells.
Three hygiene promoters in the community will be trained to bring the message of proper hygiene and sanitation to the rest of the community.
A Community Development Committee will be trained on water pan and well maintenance to ensure that they continue to be viable water sources long into the future.