Daniel Ongallo's (CEO) Earth Month story
When G Adventures began running its ‘Cultural Kenya and Safari’ tour, Kuwour villagers had never before had the opportunity to meet and talk with those from other countries. Since they began hosting homestays, however, I have worked alongside the villagers and have watched as their circumstances have improved.
Kuwour has faced very severe dry periods in recent years. The effect of this weather—made worse by unsustainable farming methods—has led to food shortages. What’s more, inadequate access to clean water and poor hygiene has caused an increase in preventable diseases. In fact, even the village’s homestay program is sometimes hampered by lack of water, with which we cook and clean. And fresh water is a considerable distance from the village.
These issues gave rise to the idea of starting a ‘water tank’ project, supported with the funds we raise from hosting visitors. When the village has raised enough, a tank is purchased. This program has proved very successful. Since its beginning in 2007, six water tanks have been installed. We target those in the community that face the most very severe water shortages—particularly the elderly, widows and those homes with orphaned children."
With the program in place, rain showers of no longer than 30 minutes supply almost 3,000 litres of water—enough for more than two weeks! The program not only provides us with clean drinking water, we can use it to water our vegetable gardens, too!
We now enjoy an improved quality of life, without the illnesses brought on by water borne diseases—which are often lethal and costly to treat. Along with my fellow villagers, I am grateful for the opportunities provided by G Adventures.
