Pump stolen

Last week celebrate water at long last

Fencing needing to be repaired for security

Vandalism, holes to climb in the broken window of classroom

Door designed to keep bolt cutter out

Lock forced thru 

Hello to everyone!  Teril posted some pics of our last trip to Swaziland.  We visited another nature reserve along with checking on projects.  This week, we decided to post pics and tell about a school we are trying to help here in the Maputo area.  It is called EPC de Machava KM 15.  There are 7500 students that attend in 3 shifts for about 4 hours per shift.  The history is long and would likely bore you; but I will try to give you the short version.  I think it will help explain the principles we strive to use and the challenges of the work.  About 5-6 years ago the church drilled a well and supplied water to this school and community along with some latrines for the students.  Not long after someone stole the pump; we suspect an inside job.  The community purchased another pump and shortly thereafter it stopped working.  The city made a few attempts at helping, but did not follow through.  When we first arrived on our mission we were shown this school, as other missionaries had tried to help.  I will skip a lot here, but we finally succeeded in getting a meeting with FIPAG (water authority) and explained the situation. They promised to evaluate the well and determine if it should continue to be used or if the school could be connected to the main water supply (which is not very reliable). 

well house and tower

In the meantime, a new school director was assigned and she spent her own money (about $250) to get a private contractor to get the pump working and at least have water for the kids to get a drink.  3 weeks later the pump is again stolen.  The policy of the church is that if we come back to a project that we originally completed and have to refurbish or redo, it is a 50/50 deal.  The community has a real problem they will have to agree to fix and demonstrate they are doing just that before we can help them.  They want to build/repair the wall around the school and the latrines need to be fixed which will be the major part of the project.

drinking station

The drinking station has long been vandalized and abandoned.  The classrooms in the background is one of about 5 buildings that has 4 classrooms each, but many classes are still held outdoors because of the number of students.  Throwing money at the school will not help them.  We are trying to develop a long term plan with them so they can take care of these facilities and repair and maintain them once we leave.  This, of course, assumes that we will be doing something here, which is a big assumption at this point. There are some pit latrines that we installed years ago that have sunk into the ground and are no longer fit for use.  The children just use the ground around the pit latrines to relieve themselves.  We finally arranged for a couple of contractors to come and give us bids.  We have not received them yet, but as mentioned above, the community will have to come up with at least 50% if they want the project to move forward and they will have to provide a written and workable plan they can agree to that will maintain and sustain the facilities. 

Pit latrine needing to be removed

We have yet to hear from FIPAG for their evaluation and approval.  We are hopeful that they will work with us to make this happen as well as the community's willingness to step up.  We are convinced the guards know who has stolen the pump and possibly are in on the deal.  We feel the community/school needs to fire them and deduct the cost of the pump from their pay.  Also, there will need to be some training for students and staff on how to use and take care of the latrines that use a hand bucket flush/wash system.  Metal locking doors will need to be installed and the school will have to maintain and clean the facility.  If this project goes through it will be such a success story; however, I must admit, I am skeptical. 

Pump stolen

Pump in well and working last week!