Rehabilitation Project
When the team arrived the community was utilizing any water source available and because of this the community was suffering from Dysentery and Malaria among other preventable water related illnesses. During the team's stay the community assembled a water committee consisting of three men and two women who assisted the team with the water project whenever possible and provided any materials available. The majority of community residents sustain a living working as drivers, traders, and some work in local offices or for the government. The nearest school is located one kilometer away from the community whose students, teachers and administrative personnel all have access to the new, safe water source. Before leaving the community the team provided a contact number with community resident Chief Pa Alimamy Kamara incase their well were to fall into disrepair, become subject to vandalism or theft.
The team had an opportunity to meet with thirty-nine year old female community resident and local trader Fanta Sesay who stated, "This new hand pump will make things so much easier. When we had to get water from that pipe, we didn't know where the water was coming from and doubt that it was pure. With the new pump, the water is protected. It will be good for drinking. It will help decrease sickness in our community."
During the hygiene education the team shared with 160 adults and over 165 children. During the hygiene lessons the following principal issues were addressed: Disease transmission, Germs, Hand Washing- proper techniques and water saving methods, Healthy Unhealthy Communities, Oral Rehydration Solution, Proper care of the pump, Keeping the water clean, Good-bad hygiene behaviors and Disease Transmission Stories. After the lessons the team distributed 135 Oral Rehydration Solution spoons to community families. The team also spoke with the community Chief about the need to restrict parking and disposal of trash near the well site. The team also addressed the community's need to participate in sweeping off dirt around the well, and how once a week the caretaker needs to make sure everyone is washing out water containers. The elders of this community have employed several youth to stand watch over the well as their last hand pump was stolen. The youth will also help maintain order.
The community was happy to hear the team had come to offer them a cup of water in Jesus' name. The community prayed with the team before any work began and on the day of the hygiene education. During the hygiene training, at the end, everyone sang praise songs. Several women from one of the local churches started singing and dancing and others quickly joined. Shouts of praise came from the bullhorn and everyone became excited. At the dedication, there was Bible storying and the Gospel was presented. The team prayed for protection over this well, and the community was happy to hear about Jesus Christ and to receive Him. The elders from the local church were present and the team distributed 225 Bibles to resident families.
