Clean Water for Rural Villagers in Burkina Faso

Dear Friend,

The situation in Burkina Faso has worsened since our last project report. Political instability to the north in Mali,  increased climate variability, a rapidly growing population, declining soil fertility and rising costs of agricultural inputs have led to predictions of catastrophic famine and food insecurity in the Sahel.  Your support of BARKA's work in Burkina is now more important than ever.

After the successful implementation of the WASH project in Tantiaka earlier this year, which you helped us to accomplish, we are preparing for next steps.  Phase 2 of the project in Tantiaka involves the women of the village.  They asked BARKA to help them secure a machine to grind the millet which will save hours of labor each day.  Not only is this a time-saving technology, it will also lead to the creation of many small sustainable businesses providing social and economic independence to women for the first time in their lives.

In addition, we've identified a new village which desperately needs a well.  Women of Lampiadi, a rural village close to Tantiaka, walk 7km every day for water.  Can you imagine?!   The village is so determined to address this dire need that villagers organized a water & sanitation committee on its own and even raised $1000-- an enormous sum in a village where the average income is roughly $.50/day. 

BARKA is currently raising funds to return to Burkina to implement Phase 2 in Tantiaka and Phase 1 (clean water & hygiene education) in Lampiadi.  Won't you join us as we move forward and deepen our work and commitment to the people of Burkina?

Meanwhile, there's lots going on at home in the US:

• Hundreds of people gathered in both Bangor, ME and Marblehead, MA to run or walk the 5k "Peace, Water & Wisdom Race/Walk" which was organized entirely by students of John Bapst Memorial High School and Marblehead High School.  Photos and press coverage of the events below.
• Got reciprocity? BARKA established a sister-city relationship between Great Barrington, MA and Fada N'Gourma.  This was officially kicked off in Massachusetts on September 19 in honor of the International Day of Peace. See news stories below.

Thank you for walking this sacred path together with us.  We are honored to walk alongside you. We send early holiday greetings and blessings for vibrant health and deep peace for the new year. Barka!

Links:

• Marblehead Students Race for Peace, Water & Wisdom
• TV Coverage of the Bangor, ME 5k Race
• BARKA Twins Great Barrington and Fada N'Gourma