This project is made possible through the partnership of WATER CHARITY and the NATIONAL PEACE CORPS ASSOCIATION. 
Location
This project summary has been redacted for security reasons to omit the specific project location.
Xxxxxx, Bafia District, Centre Region, Cameroon
Community Description
Xxxxxx is a large rural village covering 27 kilometers in the Centre Region, just outside of Bafia. There are dirt roads scattered throughout the area, many of which are in rough condition, making travel difficult and expensive.
The population is 58,348 among 35 villages. They are spread out, but there are several market days for people to buy and sell their local harvests. The major language is French, the official language in the region. However, most people, when speaking with one another in the community, use a form of patois.
Some of the challenges are poverty, poor education, health disparities, and lack of clean water. Despite the fact that people live with very little, they have an incredible will to get by with what they have.
There are problems with limited access to water, electricity, and treatment for sickness. While all this can be discouraging, people have amazing resilience and ability to not only get by, but get by with kindness and positivity.
Problem Addressed
Poor water availability and quality is the main problem when it comes to the health of many people in the village. Especially, during the dry season, finding safe water is a daily struggle and a necessity for life.
The health center usually has patients bring their own water, which causes a huge sanitation problem. Deliveries are often made with little water available. This can cause health problems and lead to people spending more time in the health center, less time at school or work, and more money spent
Project Description
This project is to build a well at the health center.
The well will be centrally located, near the primary school. The project is expected to take 3 weeks.
The well will be hand dug to approximately 21 meters, and lined with rebar and cement. An immersed electric pump will be installed.
A platform will be built, and a 3,000-liter storage tank will be installed. Water will be pumped to the tank, treated to remove contaminants, and fed by gravity to the access points.
The local council, working with the Mayor’s office, will contribute 25% of the funds necessary for construction.
The health staff will hold sessions on WASH issues.
Project Impact
500 people will benefit from the project.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
J. Pelusi
Monitoring and Maintenance
The newly-formed water committee and local technicians will ensure the proper functioning of the improvements. A monthly use fee will be collected to ensure that funds are on hand for repairs when needed.
Comments
The health center, the school, and the community at large will have better access to clean water, reducing illness and improving wellbeing.
Let Girls Learn
Girls have the primary responsibility for retrieving water, often from distant places. This takes time that can be better spent in school, studying, and doing household work. This project relieves them of this major burden, and makes it easier for them to remain in school, and is, therefore, a part of our Let Girls Learn Initiative – Worldwide.
The Water Charity participation in this project has been funded by an anonymous donor.