DEDICATION OF WELLS PROVIDED BY CHILD ACTION INITIATIVE AND WORLD VISION IN KASUNGAMI, DRC

CHILD ACTION INITIATIVE NEWSLETTER   MAY 17, 2011

In the previous edition we outlined the events leading up to the completion of the Child Action Initiative (CAI) well drilling project in Kasungami, DRC which spanned a period of 4-1/2 years. See blogspot for archived editions.

The following narrative and photographs by Isaiah Njimbu Chot describes the dedication of the wells on March 22, 2011:

DEDICATION OF THREE WELLS IN KASUNGAMI

On the morning of Tuesday March 22nd, 2011, Kasungami community was extremely honored with the presence of Lubumbashi Mayor’s representative, World Vision staff, UNICEF delegate, community leaders, various officers including local chiefs, children, women and men who attended the dedication of the community wells,

Until recently, most Kasungami Community had taken for granted the safety of their drinking water. The events alerted all of them, have stimulated and reminded the importance of effective health prevention. Also the event was a best opportunity to inform and sensitize the population through speeches, role playing and songs to protect drinking water to reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses.

The community drank dirty water with parasites and bad sanitation conditions. People attempted to combat waterborne diarrhea and guinea worm disease, but they were unsuccessful. So we recognize that we are fortunate in Kasungami to have these wells. “Thanks to the generosity of donors of The Water Project, the entire community will benefit from safe drinking water”, said the children.

World Vision director: “We would find it extremely difficult to drill wells this year if other people could not do something to help. Because of the generous donations sent to Child Action Initiative for the water project, we were able to continue with this effort to take it beyond that to helping the people with safe water. We appreciate to partner in these collaborative efforts for the first time. The community should then protect and maintain these pumps.”

Representative of the City of Lubumbashi Mayor's Office: “On behalf of the Lubumbashi City, we truly appreciate Child Action Initiative’s work for providing three wells to the community. We recognize, as you do, the valuable role you play in building brighter futures for Congo’s next generation. It is through the positive efforts of people like you that we can “Change a Lifetime” for a child in need. We appeal to your donors to do more wells which will help many families to have access to safe and protected drinking water all through the day. People can survive much longer without food then without water. Thank you for your continuing support.”

Therefore, after experiencing the first event dedicating the three wells, the community pumped with eager anticipation, praising God when water flowed freely. The people were excited to begin using their new source of clean water.

Reported by

Isaiah Njimbu Chot
CAI Founder and Executive Director



On behalf of the residents of Kasungami, we wish to thank everyone for their prayers and financial support of the well drilling project over the past 4-1/2 years. Your support has has been a blessing. Now, we will focus on: a. Implementation of a developmental farming program to enable the residents to raise crops to improve their health, nutrition and become self-sufficient; b. Creation of United Methodist Volunteer in Mission Building Teams to construct a parsonage for Nazareth United Methodist Church, the summer of 2012 and c. Purchase a vehicle for Isaiah's use to enable him to more efficiently serve the people of Kasungami.


Blessings,

Isaiah Njimbu Chot, Dave Heiser, Bev and Ed Wentz

Bev Wentz, R.N. (Retired) ; Ed Wentz, P.E. (Retired)
U.S. UMVIM Coordinators for Child Action Initiative
Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, Oak Ridge, NC
Greensboro District, Western North Carolina United Methodist Conference

Dave Heiser, P.E., B.C.E.E.
U.S. UMVIM Technical Advisor for Child Action Initiative
Fuquay Varina United Methodist Church, Fuquay Varina, NC
Raleigh District, North Carolina United Methodist Conference

School Children Dancing at the Well Dedication Ceremony



Children thanking the donors for the wells



World Vision Director, center, Arlette Ngonso and Julie of World Vision





World Vision Director’s representative, School's coordinator, Isaiah Njimbu Chot,  Mayor’s representative, Assistant to the Bishop’s representative, UNICEF delegate. Woman sitting with yellow and green, is Nazareth UMC lay leader



Kasungami Chief with drinking glass, plate and bowl for the dedication ceremony



World Vision Director’s representative, Julie, DS’ secretary, Education Coordinator, Nazareth Pastor, Isaiah Njimbu Chot, Mayor’s representative, Assistant to the Bishop’s representative, UNICEF delegate,

Deacon Tshilomobo DS’ Secretary, Ms Sylvia, Rev Jacques, Isaiah and Arlette Ngonso