Help Fund a Water Project

Together, we can unlock potential in a developing community by providing clean, safe water.
Fundraiser

Introduction

Ogande Special School fights intolerance, prejudice and discrimination through education and
good example. The word is spreading fast - consequently, the number of students
is constantly growing. At present (March 2015), there are 121 boarders at the
school.

My name is
Mariana Vikstrom and I have known the Principal, Mr. Wilson Otieno and his
family for the past 15 years. On the website, he explains the history of the
school and how fast it has grown since he was appointed. Please read more about
the school here: www.OgandeSpecialSchool.org

The school depends
on governmental funds. The budget for the special schools is separated from
that of the regular schools in Kenya. However, many schools additionally depend
on other donors, like churches, NGO’s and private sponsors. Ogande has had buildings
and equipment sponsored, but does not receive funds from any other institution
than the government. Up to 2013, the funds were disbursed without delay. Today,
the situation is different. Funds are delayed and there is an ever present fear
of drought.

Additionally,
the governmental funds have been delayed for so long that the water vendors are
no longer willing to bring water on credit. Let me give you an example of
what this school accomplishes for these 121 children/youth. 

Our school motto: Disability Is Not Inability. 

 

Performance of the school

Geoffrey was 13 when he was found locked inside a dark room, together with his twin brother. He
could neither speak nor walk. "They could only crawl, like animals",
the Principal, Mr. Wilson Otieno, explains. The management had been informed of
these twins and went to investigate. They transferred the boys to the school
and today, one year later, I meet them, walking around, in good health and with
smiling faces, happy to see me, a "mzungu" ("white"
person). The extraordinary examples are many. One girl who could not speak
a word when she first attended the school (in 2008), now speaks three
languages, one fluently.

 

The current water situation (2015)

The school does not have a permanents source of water. Instead it relies on tanks of rain
water, one of 10 000 liters, one of 16 000 liters and one of
46 000 liters. In times of drought, they need to buy expensive water from
water vendors, whom have since Friday, March 6, not come to bring the water, the
irony being that the ground beneath the school has plenty of water which could
be drilled and serve as a permanent water supply point for the school. However, because of lack of funds, drilling
has not yet taken place and the situation has worsened due to a number of factors,
one of course being the current drought.

One teacher
explains that:

-
When
we came to work this morning (on Friday, March 6 2015), we found that breakfast
had not been given to the boarders, neither had they showered yet. When I asked
the support staff, I was told that there was no water left. The vendors did not
bring water, due to delay of payment.

 

Alternative source of water

In 2010, a
hydrogeological/geophysical investigation was carried out by the District Water
Officer in Homa Bay. The Bill of Quantities for drilling and installation of a submersible pump, accessories and plastic tank of 10 m3 was completed in 2011. The total cost for drilling and installation was estimated at Kshs. 2, 867,900.00 (approximately 30 000
USD). 

Now, we start
this campaign in hope to raise money for the set up of a permanent
source of water for the school as well as for its surroundings. We will be
happy to answer your questions and donors are welcome to visit us! 

For more
information, please contact me: [email protected]
or Mr. Otieno: w[email protected]


Who's Helping?

Will You Join Us in Giving Clean, Safe Water?
DateDonorAmountMessage
03/09/15Larissa Kersten$34.00
 

Why It Matters

Access to clean, safe water unlocks potential

Did you know nearly 1 billion people don't have safe water to drink?

Together, we can change that. Let's fund a new source of drinking water for those who suffer needlessly without it!

Our gifts will be used to construct or rehabilitate a water project, like a well or sand dam, in Africa. We'll see pictures, GPS coordinates, and updates as they come in from the actual water project we fund so we can celebrate the results along with the community we help.


About The Water Project

The Water Project, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization unlocking human potential by providing clean, safe water to communities around the world who suffer needlessly without.

Working with local partners in countries like Kenya, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Uganda, we build long lasting water projects that are organized, owned and managed by the communities receiving them.

Together, with our partners we identify, implement, report on and follow up on every project. Then we share the whole story with you to inspire confidence in the work being done and the impact it has.