FARM STEW was invited to Wanyange Hill, in Uganda, by Mrs. Irene. She's the organizer of the local women's group. She loves FARM STEW and testifies to the tremendous difference the training has made in her community. She says,
“Our husbands were even suffering; they even wanted to run away. But we women are now okay; we have kitchen gardens, have soy gardens, and have learned about sanitation.Before, I never used to wash my hands. I knew about soap, but we had no money for it. Then we learned that we can wash our hands with ash. It is helping us stay healthy. MayGod bless this program until the end.”
The work of FARM STEW in Wanyange Hill is incredibly hopeful, yet they still lack one of life's essentials. Mrs. Irene is one of 663 million people who lack access to clean water. The hand pump in their village broke years ago along with 30% of all the pumps in Africa.
The people fetch water for their families that we could not imagine using for anything.The muddy color is just an indication of the parasites that live in it. See for yourself here:
The organisms in dirty water swell the belly with a swarm of worms that get first dibs on the food that enters the stomach of the children. Their look is too common: skinny arms, sunken eyes, and big fat bellies that are teeming with life.
What is the result? Malnutrition, disease, and death.
Yet, research shows that safe water can reduce chronic malnutrition by 40% and school absenteeism by 30% or more. In addition, household income rises significantly (at least 30%), when safe water is provided, and spending can then be redirected from medicine and clinic fees related to water-borne diseases to more productive purposes.
The benefits obtained through access to safe water not only improve livelihoods and reduce poverty; they also provide an opportunity for FARM STEW and Water4 to quench the spiritual thirst of those in need.
Mrs. Irene, along with Norah and the FARM STEW trainers are developing a local source for hope for the water situation. She organized a women's group into a FARM STEW Savings Club, and now that they have vegetables to sell, each member brings 6,000 Ugandan Shillings (about $1.75) each week.
FARM STEW has partnered with Water4, and these women to bring clean water into their village by contracting with a local drilling company, called Freedom Drillers. Community members will be required to bring the stones and sand and be trained on basic maintenance. Their savings will provide the insurance plan they need to ensure that the pump will be maintained and repaired quickly if it ever breaks down!
In 2020 FARM STEW has planned fifty water projects, impacting an estimated 2,500 families at the cost of $15 per person, at an average cost of $4,680 per repaired or drilled well. We need to raise $150,000 to gain the match of $84,000. Your help is needed today!
The benefits obtained through access to safe water not only improve livelihoods and reduce poverty; they also provide an opportunity for FARM STEW and Water4 to quench the spiritual thirst of those in need.
Will you DONATE TODAY to help bring clean water to communities like Wanyange Hill?
With your gifts today, very soon, the children will drink water that is clean and they can learn of the Source of living water as well.
Will you help to bring water to them? Help 10 people for $150 today, Click Here!
