One brick at a time

Water, Water everywhere… but not a drop to drink

In our previous update we brought the news of progress on our planning with Engineers Without Borders (“EWB’) in our ‘One Brick at a Time’ program. The latest news is that our trip with EWB has now been slated to take place the last week of October and through the first week of November. The timing is actually very good for us, because we will be at the end of the rainy season and before the hot summer weather actually sets in.

Please forward our reports/emails and ask friends and family if they would like to support the My Arms Wide Open's programs.

We need to raise 5% of the total cost of the program ourselves and need your help. That's a total of $7,500. Help us to get more and more people involved in the One Brick At a Time Program, which provides a direct benefit to the children and people of the Bergnek community in rural Limpopo, South Africa.

An Update from EWB

Preparing for Solutions

Some may already know but I wanted to confirm that the Water Initiative Program in Bergnek has been approved and adopted by the EWB Central Houston Chapter. This is a large step forward. Many of us have been eager to get started.

This means that EWB Houston will be partnering with My Arms Wide Open in the water projects and potentially sanitation projects later on depending on our combined success together. This is a multi-year commitment from the EWB Central Houston Chapter and we look forward to working with everyone to deliver sustainable solutions to empower and improve the lives of the Bergnek community.

First Step

The first step, now that we have the official approval and adoption of the project by the EWB Central Houston Chapter, will be the assessment trip. During this trip we would hope to survey the land, determine where we can buy materials in country, visit existent available wells, and other suitable water sources. Furthermore, we would like to better assess the needs of the community by conducting surveys to cover health issues, hygiene, water access, amount, travel time, along with other topics.

In addition to the data collection we will want to have regular meetings with community stakeholders (daily, every other day, or as required while on the assessment trip. This way everyone can ask questions together, review progress, discuss needs, and the various topics meaningful to the group.

Pulling it all together

In summary, we want to gather enough information for us all to determine together where the most good can be done with the available resources and then have the data needed so we can start developing solutions.

Tentatively, we would like to travel between October 25th through November 8th and coordinate with Warren's travels. We would hope to assemble a team of 4 to 6 people for the assessment.

Your contributions make the difference

Can you make a new donation today or perhaps set up a monthly or quarterly recurring donation? Please take action today. The girls, women and children we serve are grateful for your support.

Take a Trip and Get involved

Another form of contributing: There are also opportunities for you to join us in Africa to work alongside these truly wonderful people in the Bergnek community. Take a look at the ‘My World In a Garden’ EcoTravel option.

Gratitude

We are grateful for your support. The women, girls and children of the My Arms Wide Open communities extend a warm smile and echo our gratitude and thanks.

Links:

• Join the team on the ground