This project is part of our 52 Pumps in 52 Weeks Program, being implemented by Peace Corps Volunteers Marcie Todd and Garrison Harward. To read about the program and follow its progress, CLICK HERE.
Location
Thies, Senegal
Community Description
As we’ve said before, this project isn’t just about installing 52 pumps. That’s only the beginning. The real benefits will come from the knowledge we gain, the technicians we train, and the infrastructure for pump production that we establish as a result of this initial run.
In keeping with that vision, this week’s community is a little different from our usual demographic. Welcome to the Peace Corps Training Center located in the regional capital of Thies. This beautiful complex of old colonial buildings and gardens was our first home here in Senegal when we arrived as wide-eyed trainees. Every volunteer spends their first 9 weeks here and in surrounding villages learning local languages, receiving technical training, and learning the cultural skills they will need to be effective volunteers in the field.
This is also the site of In-Service Training where volunteers further specialize their technical skills and learn about appropriate technologies, such as rope pumps. This center isn’t just for volunteers though; it serves as a resource for the Senegalese people throughout the year through Master Farmer trainings and Counterpart Workshops where volunteers and Senegalese partners from each village learn how to best collaborate during their two years of service.
Finally, this center also holds international conferences where volunteers from other Peace Corps countries come to share best practices and collaborate on large international projects such as the new initiative to stomp out Malaria in Africa. It is truly an asset to Senegal and Peace Corps West Africa as a whole.
Project Description
In order to better support the training of Senegalese counterparts and PCVs in rope pump technology, we will install a demonstration pump at the Training Center.
This unit will be mounted on an oil barrel rather than a well so that the entire rig will be portable and able to be taken to different sites to demonstrate the technology and teach welders how to construct the pump.
There is only so much that can be learned from looking at diagrams. With a functioning demo model, it will be possible to establish new producers in more remote areas away from the Kolda and Kaolack regions where we currently work.
Project Impact
New trainees, current Senegal volunteers at trainings, volunteers from other Peace Corps countries at conferences, and local farmers and welders will all benefit from this pump. All told, between 100-200 people a year will directly benefit.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Garrison Harward
Comments
This training pump will facilitate the proliferation of this great technology and will have a profound impact.
Dollar Amount of Project
$100.00
Donations Collected to Date
$100.00
Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 – This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of Christina Fernandez, of San Francisco, California, USA.
If you now contribute $100, your name will be placed on the waiting list to adopt the next project in order.
If you wish to contribute less than $100, the money will be applied toward the overall program.
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.
