QBL was recently admitted into the Global Giving catalog. Our current campaign is to fund the Jankoaqui water project that was recently approved. If we can get 50 donors and $4000 by April 30th, we will get a permanent position on the Global Giving site. [Note added on April 21: as of 4/21, $4865 has been contributed by 63 donors, so QBL has earned that permanent position! Thanks to all donors.]
You can visit our project page on the Global Giving website or read about the project below. We have added a few more details below about the project’s background.
Summary
Quaker Bolivia Link (QBL) believes in small-scale projects that bring long-term measurable benefit. Water is a fundamental need and this project will provide 59 families living in Janko Marca Sirpa with access to clean water. Workshops will be held to educate the population about water projects and hygiene in order to reduce the incidence of infectious disease. After completion, QBL will regularly visit this community to evaluate the impact of the training and the sustainability of the project.
What is the issue, problem, or challenge?
Our staff and Jankoaqui villagers examining a previous water installation.
This community lives in an area with a seven month dry season and lacks a safe and sanitary source of water, both for human consumption and agriculture. As a result, water-borne diseases and drought can cause the loss of a steady food supply and ultimately the migration of families to the surrounding cities – often to live in the squalor of urban poverty. Fortuneately, 42% of Bolivians live on family farms and as a result a communal water supply can greatly improve the quality of life for all.
A government aid agency drilled a well, installed a pump and built a water storage tank a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, they were unable to provide piping and faucets to the individual homes. The communal faucet is not sufficient for the needs of the community and the villagers still suffer from many of the problems that occurred before the project was started. Fortunately, we are in a good position to help.
How will this project solve this problem?
This project will provide individual water supplies for: 59 families, 1 school, 1 health post and 1 community building. Community members who participate in the construction of water systems will acquire the skills necessary to maintain and repair the system if needed. This project aims to empower the community, resulting in a self-sustaining project so the community will not be dependent on outside aid for help.
Potential Long Term Impact
Currently young girls spend numerous hours each day transporting water for their families instead of attending school. This project will enable these children to receive an education. Moreover, this project will reduce the incidence of water-borne disease that currently ravages the lives of the most vulnerable – children and the elderly. Finally, this project will enable the Aymara’s culture, traditions and language to thrive, helping families to continue living on their ancestral land.
We need your help to make this project a reality. Please donate through the global giving website.