Location
Makindu, Makindu District, Makuani County, Eastern Province, Kenya
Community Description
Makindu is a small town situated along the major Nairobi-Mombasa highway. Makindu is mainly occupied by the Akamba community, which forms approximately 94% of the total population.
The town lies within the arid and semi-arid zones of the country and receives very little rain. Lack of rain is a persistent cause of drought, which is a major cause of poverty in the district, inordinately affecting the women, children aged and disabled.
Makindu Children Center (MCC) began in 1998 as a Community Based Organization (CBO) and later changed into a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in 2001. The Mission of MCC is to provide opportunities for the growth and development of orphans and vulnerable children by facilitating their access to basic needs through community collective response.
The organization operates one day-care center with a pre-school at the Makindu site and three outreach sites in Twaandu, Kamboo and Kiboko, and Nguumo supporting a total of 372 children.
The Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) support package comprises support in education, food and nutrition, health, psychosocial support, shelter and protection.
Activities in the past have included outreach for community sensitization on health matters, caregiver trainings, home visits, health referrals, guidance and counseling. The organization also participates in advocacy work such as the day of African Child, Malezi Bora, World AIDS Day, and Youth Week among others.
MCC already has two big tanks for collecting rainwater, and the majority of the building have gutters. However, there is no water accessible for use by the children for washing hands after using the bathroom.
Project Description
This project is to purchase and install a water storage tank and to build a handwashing station for the pre-school children.
The water tank will store rainwater or water provided by the district. Water can be transferred between the tanks as needed.
The tank will be elevated above the toilet about 12 feet from the ground with a wooden or metal frame built by the local craftsman.
The handwashing stating will be right outside of the toilets for easy access. Two sinks (one for girls one for boys) will be built.
The stations will be made of bricks and cements for durability. The sinks will use push tap (water saving) faucets to reduce the water wastage. Trees will be planted along the drainage area, and will utilize the water from the drains.
Water Charity funds will be used to purchase a 2,000-liter polyethylene water tank, along with pipe and other building material, as well as pay for specialized labor.
MCC will transport the tank and materials, supply the cement, and provide additional labor.
Project Impact
Over 250 children will benefit from this project.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Farhan Syed
Comments
The water tank and the handwashing station will provide much- needed help with the chronic water shortage and promote healthy hygienic practices for the children.
Dollar Amount of Project
$555.00
Donations Collected to Date
$555.00 + additional amounts
Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 – This project has been fully funded through the generosity of friends and family of Peace Corps Volunteer Farhan Syed, with additional amounts for future projects.
We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Farhan of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Farhan and/or those of other PCVs in the country of service.