This project has been successfully completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Lisa Melendy. To see the history of the project CLICK HERE.
The project was to provide crucial components necessary to complete the water system project already underway to serve the rescue and community center. It amply demonstrates the Water Charity principle that a small amount of money spent to satisfy a critical need can have a huge impact.
Lisa reports:
The project went quite well. I went with the zoo caretaker to purchase the necessary motor to make the pump work. It was a 10 horsepower motor which connected to the generator. We also purchase a belt and a pulley to connect them, and had a little left over to pay for gas and oil to fill the motor with.
We had an event at the zoo to announce the project, which was an educational work day for the local schools. The owner of the zoo gave a talk about their work and the importance of conservation, and the rest of the time the older kids did some work (painting the cages and clearing dry grass). The younger kids did an advertising campaign (coloring in pictures of the pava aliblanca, with directions to the zoo, for posting around the main town). It was a very successful event, accompanied by a large tree donation for the schools by a local organization.
A few days later we took advantage of a visit by woman who works with the Ministry of the Environment, who had never been to the zoo before. The Ministry has the responsibility to support conservation projects and especially to support conservation of the pava aliblanca. At the end of the business, the woman said she hoped to be able to encourage ministry support for more long term goals.
Lisa concluded by extending her gratitude and that of all others involved in the project to those who made the project a success.
We wish to thank The Soneva SLOW LIFE Trust and friends and family of Lisa Melendy for providing the funds for this project.
