The Rotary Club of Markham Sunrise is raising money to provide water to a school in Masango in Burundi.
Burundi is a tiny country in Central Africa with a population of 11.8 million that is bounded by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, Lake Tanganyika to the southwest and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. Burundi is one of the poorest countries in the world with 80% dependent on subsistence farming.
The Problem - Lack Of Water/Sanitation - Masango Primary/Fundamental School, 55km east of the capital, Bujumbura, is one of many rural schools without access to water and basic sanitation. It has about 1600 students but the nearest reliable source of water is over 3 km away and children have to bring their own water, which is difficult given the long distances many have to walk each day to get to and from school (up to 7 km each way) . Toilets are also insufficient and inadequate, with only 5 working pit latrines (without doors) for 1600 children. These conditions, coupled with poverty and malnutrition, result in hygienic diseases, high absenteeism (especially for females during menstrual period) and drop out. Sanitation and hygiene remain the major health concern, especially during this COVID-19 time.
The Solution - Build A Water Supply - The community and school wishes to construct a water supply system to bring running water to the school. The system will include a 2.9 km pipe line, a 15 cubic metre storage tank, a filtration structure and water fountains. The Rotary Club of Markham Sunrise, in conjunction with African Hope Services (AHS), a Burundi non-profit organization dedicated to helping the rural poor in Burundi, aims to raise money to fund this project.
About African Hope Services (AHS) - AHS was established in 2010 and has been instrumental in promoting rural development and disaster response capability in Burundi. AHS conceived the original idea for the water supply, participated in the design and technical studies and will participate in the fundraising and project oversight. AHS will also continue with ongoing sanitation education beyond the project. AHS is well known on the ground and is key for the long term sustainability.
Why This Project - Jean-Claude Mbazumutima is a member of the Rotary Club of Markham Sunrise. He grew up in Masango and went to the school before emigrating to Canada. Most of his family still live in Masango. He tells his personal story below and why he is motivated to make a difference.
Call To Action - Please donate and help Rotary and Jean-Claude make a difference. Tax receipts will be provided. A $100 donation is suggested but as little as $35 can help one child stay in school. And a monthly donation of as little as $20 can make a huge difference.
If you would like Jean-Claude to present to your club, company or organization or would like to donate offline (e.g. send a cheque or eTransfer), please email Jean-Claude at africanhopeservices@gmail.com
