Our implementing partner noted about their visit,

“Arriving at this place and experiencing the fireworks and the celebration was a tad overwhelming but when you consider what they had previously to what exists now, it’s no wonder they were excited to have us and show off their new water source.”

Pictures from the project:

Over 1,500 girls attend the Eva Marrie Girls School in Perambalur, India.  The shear size of the school magnified the lack of access to water.  Before this well and distribution systems were constructed,  the school children would have to leave the grounds to access public taps or they would use a small amount of water which the school was forced to pay for from a “water cart”.  Improving access to water means more time in class, less danger traveling outside of school grounds and far better access to proper sanitation, a huge issue for a girls school.

Wells for Life, the implementing partner, reported that…

“Driving up and seeing all 1,500 girls lined up and waiting for our arrival was special.  It was late in the day but nonetheless worth the wait.  We took some video and explained who the donor was and of their care and concern for people, especially children.  It was evident these girls were thankful.  Seeing the size and scope of the project was inspiring and a relief because after witnessing the sheer number of girls, a small project wouldn’t have sufficed, so a huge thank you to Northview Christian Church!”

Pictures from the Project:

This village, not far from the first, suffered many of the same water problems.  Prior to this well being installed they walked great distances for water.   Even then, what they found was water designated for the fields and crop growing – unsuitable and unsafe to drink.

Thankfully,with the help of the students at Burns HS FFA, these people are enjoying their very own protected water source.



Pictures from both projects:

The Wells for Life team reported that, as they arrived on the scene “there were a large number of villagers waiting for us along with elected community leaders.  It was apparent that the provision of the well, tank and taps was just what they needed.  The atmosphere was happy and everyone was celebrating the new gift of water.”

Pictures from both projects:

Just a few weeks after performing and asking their audiences to get behind this important work, the first two of their three wells was constructed in India.  You can see the new wells at Sirumayangudi & Mettupatti in India.

So far over 1,600 people have access to clean, safe water because of the efforts of a few committed students.  The communities in India are very grateful…and so are we!

About Performers for Progress:

Performers for Progress is a student-run organization based in Orinda, California that produces and organizes student talent shows to benefit charities of the organization’s choosing. Our organization has the dual benefit of giving students an outlet to share their abilities in the visual and performing arts while simultaneously aiding humanitarian organizations beyond their community. In the past, we have raised money for Haiti Medical Mission, Each One Reach One, and PDH-Togo. We ensure that 95% of the proceeds go to the designated charities by operating on a very small budget and relying on volunteers and donations for almost all of our needs.

Burns HS FFA Team

UPDATE: November 17th, 2009 – Well Project Reports Posted

See the Wells at: Bagavathi & Kattur

–

Casey and the crew at the Burns High School FFA Chapter just blew the doors of their Water Challenge fundraiser!  We got a letter a  few minutes ago from the team.  Here are some excerpts…

“Our FFA Chapter wanted to take on a task that would impact the world.  An officer, Alison K., … proceeded to research it and learn about all the different programs that would allow us to help build a well.  After careful consideration she selected The Water Project.org as a worthy organization.

After careful brainstorming…we came up with “Well Week” that would be focused entirely on raising money to fund the building of a well in India.  The week before “Well Week” we started The Water Challenge.  We showed the video of The Water Project to let people see how they could come up with money by drinking water.

Burns HS FFA Chapter

The “Well Week” and The Water Challenge went better than expected.  We had over 200 people sign-up…we raised a total of $2,848.38!!

The opportunity to help others puts a joy in your heart like nothing else can.  Our whole school was able to be a part of something that will forever change people’s lives…We look forward to seeing the project completed.

- Casey

You can read Casey’s entire letter here.

Boys check out the new well

Thideerkuppam, Kallakkudi

UPDATE (3/19/2009): This location was actually home to 2 new wells.  The area is densely populated.  From their visit at the dedication, our partner reported…

The project was located next to a new building which was undergoing construction.  The evening was approaching and the scene was quite festive.  Before we knew it there were over a hundred people crowding around us and so after finding chairs to sit in and sharing the gospel we were given Sprite and some biscuits which was their way of saying thanks.

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Earlier report…

This well was completed in the last few weeks and was dedicated just days ago.  We’ll be updating this post with GPS coordinates and a brief report soon.

But, since pictures tell such a great story, we could hardly wait to get them posted.

This well is one of the first 8 wells funded by Northview Christian Church, through The Water Project and implemented by Wells for Life.

Boys look on as new well is opened

Melatheru, Kookudi

Well #8 sponsored by Northview Christian Church

Our partner reports from the field that…

Close to this project is a school and large church and yet even with this, accessible water is limited and so they are forced to the fields for water.

On arrival final adjustments were being made to the pump mechanism and once all the bolts were tightened we proceeded to cut the ribbon and pump the water.  The mood was very festive here and the school children excited for our arrival.  I was told there are 350 to 400 people in this area using our project and they were all untouchables.

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This is Well #6, given by Northview Christian Church.

The villagers using this project were previously forced to take water from sources which were really unfit for consumption. The overhead tanks built by the government are not supplying water due to limited power and even when water was in the tank it was dirty and unsafe.   As a result of this project, now with the bore well in their locale, they can drink confidently.

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This is Well #5, given by Northview Christian Church.

In this village there are 100 dalit families with a population of 400 in the Adi Dravidar Street area. Most of them are landless agricultural laborers.

Though there is a water tank with pipelines in the village, most of the time the water tank is dry and there is no regular water distribution in the water taps. As the water is pumped and stored into the water tank once every ten or fifteen days, tank water is suitable only for washing and other purposes and not for drinking as the water is not cleaned.

They used to draw water from the nearby agricultural open wells for drinking.

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