This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Katherine McClendon.
To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
The project was to build a cement-lined and covered well at the school.
Katherine reports:
The Boly Serer Elementary School Well Project was completed in early January of 2013.
The intention of the project was to provide a clean, un-salinized water source at the Boly Serer Elementary School by building a cement-lined well on the school grounds. The primary goal was to improve general sanitation and reduce gastrointestinal illness among students and teachers in addition to the secondary goal of beginning a school garden. Within one week of finishing the well, the students and teachers took initiative to build a garden and began planting papaya, onion, carrot, eggplant and green pepper.
All materials and labor were purchased locally to support community business. In total Water Charity funds paid for 20 bags of cement, 4 bags of temper, 10 lengths of iron rebar, transport of the materials and labor. Additional materials, including sand, water, buckets and housing and board for the masons, were provided by the community. A local counterpart facilitated the purchasing and transport of all materials and contracted a local masons group.
Work on the well began on December 31, 2012 when all materials were purchased and the mason arrived. During the first phase, the well was dug and the first 4 meters were cemented in addition to the well wall.
On January 15, 2013 during the second phase of the project, the final 5 meters were of the well were cemented. The following week, the students and teachers worked for 2 days fencing in a 40 x 20 foot area near the well for a garden. They provided all fencing materials and seeds for the garden.
The new well at the Boly Serer Elementary School has provided a clean and un-salinized water source for the entire school. Students now have a clean drinking source, and water for their latrines. Additionally, the un-salinized water will make it possible to maintain a garden, giving the students an interactive learning environment, and providing nutritious food and possibly a source of income.
The community members, students, and teachers of Boly Serer are extremely pleased and thankful for all of your donations. The school is especially pleased to be starting the garden and will be following up the well project with improved latrines to further promote sanitation. Thank you for all of your support!
We at Water Charity are grateful to Katherine for completing this excellent project, and again esxtend our thanks to her friends and family for providing the funding.
