Our at meeting on Friday, November 7th, Debbie Bodal introduced Jacinta Silakan both members of Lynnwood Rotary to talk about the Maasai Borehole Project in Kenya.
The Maasai culture is very beautiful and with amazing people but they have some underlying cultures like FGM and early marriages. Water is a big challenge in this community and one of the biggest reasons for them to migrate from one place to another in search of water. It's a big reason why there is human wildlife conflict competing for water.
Their only seasonal river that serves this community with rain likely once a year if they are lucky and the river flowing for two months than drying up. Women and girls walk almost 10km to fetch water and many vices happen here as a result. And the result is even worst for women and girls with disabilities. Elephants compete for water along with the humans.
The effects of not having clean safe drinking water is: many vices happen on the way to fetch water and many times the young girls are targeted; the water is often dirty and contaminated by both animals and humans; water diseases are common; women spend many hours away from their children; human wildlife conflicts; unplanned pregnancies happen; girls drop out of school.
Outcome of having a Borehole in the village includes; provides clean safe water for the community; reduces the physical burden for women and girls; retain girls in school; reduces human wildlife conflicts; improves community health; provides water for domestic animals and wildlife; provides a safe haven for women and children; allow women and girls to grow their own vegetables; and reduce infant mortality.
Rotary Clubs supporting the project are: Lynnwood, University District, Alderwood Terrace, Lake Forest Park, West Seattle, Kent, Kilindini, Nanyuki, Emerald City (Seattle) and Federal Way. The total budget for the project is $117,075. They have raised $75,200. Asking our Club for financial support.