This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Jocelyn Armendariz. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
The project was to repair the broken pump in Kolibantang.
Jocelyn reports:
For the first time in two years Kolibantang Lower Basic School has easy access to clean drinking water. Nearly 250 students are among the 525 villagers who are benefitting from the new water pump.
The pump needed several repairs, including a new cylinder, head, chain, and rod. Originally, we planned to replace the head and the cylinder. It wasn’t until we began working that we noticed we also needed a new chain and rod for the inside of the pump. Our working committee remained motivated. They were determined to complete the project.
Thanks to Water Charity and private donors from New Mexico, our budget allotted for the additional parts, and we were able to make the purchases.
The necessary parts were purchased in a city, located seven hours away from Kolibantang. After five weeks of work, our working committee completed the labor and the community celebrated the renovations.
A local teacher was the first to comment on the completed pump by saying, “We are so grateful for the success of this project. Thank you Jocelyn, and everyone else who enabled this development.”
It wasn’t long before women and children began filling buckets of water to take home with them. The village chairman said, “We’ve waited a long time for this water, and we’re thankful the project was successful.” It was evident that the community was pleased with the outcome of the project, and their willingness to work together during the process was beyond inspirational.
We are grateful to Jocelyn for completing the project, and again wish to thank Justin Hughes, who, together with Jocelyn’s other friends and family, provided the funding.
