Location
Gandiol, Mbour, Thies Region, Senegal
Community Description
Natangue – Senegal is a nonprofit organization based in Mbour, Senegal, created in 1999 with the intent of aiding one of the poorest quarters of the city, Zone Sonatel. Natangue’s focus is on helping in the areas of children, women, the handicapped, schools, health, and lasting economic development.
Currently, the organization consists of a primary and elementary school, a women’s trade school, an infirmary, and an agricultural project, among others.
A garden project was begun in 2010 to produce organic crops, including vegetables, grains, fruits and peanuts. The mothers work and learn agricultural techniques in the garden, and the produce supplements the diet of the students in school.
All proceeds from the garden go toward school lunches, the women’s finance fund, and future projects, such as the construction of 30 new classrooms in Mbour.
Problem Addressed
Currently, the garden has many beds of onions, hot peppers, green peppers, turnips, tomatoes, bitter tomatoes, and fruit trees. However, production is limited due to a lack of accessible water to support the crops.
Project Description
This project is to build 2 wells and 2 water storage basins for irrigation of the garden and the other needs of the community.
The project will be implemented under the direction of Natangue – Senegal, with the improvements providing water for the crops, drinking, laundry, and cleaning.
Two 10-meter wells will be built in opposite corners of the field so that together they can help cover the watering distance in between.
The wells will be built by a trusted local mason who has already done work with the head of the garden, Souleye Diouf.
The wells will be lined. No cover is required because the garden is fenced to prevent the entry of pests.
The basins will be 2 meters wide by 3 meters long and 1 meter deep. The basins will be made of cement by the same mason who builds the wells.
The water will be drawn from the wells by hand and stored in the basins. Watering cans and buckets will be used to water the surrounding garden beds. If the budget permits, an electric pump and hoses will be added to fill the basins quickly.
Water Charity funds will be used for the materials, labor, and transport necessary in the construction of the wells and basins. Souleye Diouf and Natangue will be responsible for the maintenance of the system.
Project Impact
This project will benefit the 80 women who participate in the program, along with 600 school children.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Cecelia Madsen
Comments
The improvements will allow for greater use of the garden, leading to increased yield. This will lead to health benefits for the school children and families involved.
Dollar Amount of Project
$1,227.72
Donations Collected to Date
$50.00
ADOPT THIS PROJECT BY CONTRIBUTING THE DOLLAR AMOUNT OF THE PROJECT.
Donations of any amount will be appreciated. The full amount will give you “naming rights”, if that is something you would like.
Any contributions in excess of the Dollar Amount of the Project will be allocated to other projects directed by this PCV and/or projects of other PCVs in this country.
Dollar Amount Needed
$1,177.72
This project has been completed. To see the results, CLICK HERE.