Location
Verejeni village, Telenesti district, Republic of Moldova
Community Description
Verejeni is situated in central Moldova. It is a lively community with 3,200 residents and is known for its strong entrepreneurial spirit. After Moldova declared its independence from the USSR, Verejeni became the first village in the country to privatize its collective farms.
Unfortunately, job opportunities in the countryside are scarce and local wages cannot compete with neighboring countries. At least 700 residents from Verejeni work abroad and send remittances back to their families. While dozens commute to the cities, most of the local workforce is employed in agriculture.
Verejeni has valuable community and government resource that keeps it moving forward. The local government reopened the kindergarten, introduced gas lines, and opened a small museum to showcase the history of the village. Several villagers recently returned from working abroad to open local businesses
Project Description
This project is the starting component of a larger project to construct a new water tower in the center of the village. A foundation will be built for the new tower before the start of the cold and snowy winter.
The new tower is necessary because the old tower has become unserviceable. Extensive corrosion caused the roof to cave in. Contaminants such as dirt, bird feathers, insects, algae and rust enter into the water. Leaks from the tower create pools of stagnant water that pollute the shallow reservoirs of nearby wells. The old tower has been a huge drain financially, and wastes water and energy.
The project was designed and will be implemented by its beneficiaries, whose volunteer efforts are an integral part. Project funds will be used to pay for the cement, sand, and rocks needed to build the base. Transportation costs will be covered by the community.
The project will continue in the spring when funding for the remainder of the project will become available. The construction of the base at this time fits in with the warm weather and the availability of the volunteers, who have just finished collecting the harvest. With the base already finished, they will have more time to focus on planting in the spring.
Project Impact
This project will bring clean water to approximately 500 people. It also benefits institutions such as the medical center, kindergarten, and Orthodox Church. Four team leaders will gain project design, management, and marketing experience through this effort. It will also show the village how volunteering can have a positive impact on the community.
This project will curb the spread of waterborne diseases such as giardia, hepatitis, and dysentery by providing a safe water source and eliminating standing water.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Toumil Samonte
Comments
This project shows the benefit of the Appropriate Projects model in getting a project underway and avoiding delay. With the work beginning immediately, the harsh weather can be avoided, and the project can be completed when the volunteer workers are available.
It also shows how Appropriate Projects has the flexibility to provide funds in conjunction with other funding sources as a part of a larger project. This coordination with other groups serves to multiply the impact.
Dollar Amount of Project
$500.00
Donations Collected to Date
$500.00
Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 – This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of Ng Yit Chong, of Singapore, with the help of friends and family of Peace Corps Volunteer Toumil Samonte.
We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Toumil of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Toumil and/or those of other PCVs in Moldova.
This project has been completed. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.