Location
Thiewal Lao, Senegal, located in the Kolda Region in southwest Senegal
Community Description
Thiewal Lao has a population of approximately 400 people. The survival of the vast majority of people is limited to subsistence farming of the land. The community suffers from periodic drought conditions which impact upon the health and well-being of the population.
Project Description
This project is to dig and cement a well within a health facility compound. Project funds will be used for the purchase and transportation of all materials, and to pay the local mason who will complete the work.
The building of the health facility suffered a history which is all too common in the developing world. In 2002, funds for the construction of the facility were raised for the project. Funds were misused, and construction progressed fitfully.
When PCV Maggie Pavelka arrived in the community in 2008, only the shell of a crumbling building was standing. All parties were brought together and a concerted effort was made to complete the building.
The building was finally completed, but there remained insufficient funds to provide the means for getting water to service the facility. This well will make the health post functional and ready to serve the community and the surrounding villages.
Project Impact
The facility will be used by approximately 8,000 rural Senegalese in the area of Fasagna, region of Kolda, Senegal.
In addition, it will take the burden off of the nearby health post in the road town of Dabo. This will in turn allow the doctor in that facility to organize more outreach to the remote areas.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Maggie Pavelka
Comments
It is difficult not to deal in superlatives in discussing this project, as we believe it is the “perfect” project. Its impact is tremendous, as it serves a large number of people who otherwise would not have health care. It finishes a project that was incomplete, as the community is just completing a new health facility, but has no water to service it. It serves a critical need, as the facility could not function without it. It utilizes exactly the appropriate technology needed to do the job. It is extremely cost-effective; we have never encountered a well project that could be done so economically. It is timely, in that the facility is just being completed, and the water is needed immediately.
Most importantly, this project validates the Appropriate Projects approach, and demonstrates its value and effectiveness. A Peace Corps Volunteer has worked tirelessly, along with the community, government, the Ministry of Health, and various NGOs to complete the health post and make medical care accessible in an extremely rural location. Obtaining a small amount of money to make the clinic functional was necessary NOW (not next week, next month, or next year). Appropriate Projects made this a reality. If any other organization has done anything like this, or is even capable of it, we would like to know it.
Dollar Amount of Project
$495.00
Donations Collected to Date
$495.00
Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 – This project has been fully funded, through the generosity of W.I., of Carlsbad, California, USA.
Please choose another project from the Funds Needed box to the right.
To read about the completion of this project, Click HERE.