New Projects
Village Wells Clean Water Project
Our latest funding endeavor concentrates on providing water to villages in our target area. Despite the promise of The Gambia nearly reaching clean water goals set by the UN Millennium Initiative, many communities in the Central River Region still lack access to sanitary water. In addition to providing essential clean water sources, communities have proposed planting gardens centered near the wells that will provide a nutritional and income source. Since there are many villages in the area that need and have sought out assistance, it is our hope to install three wells a year for the next three years. Provided fundraising goals are met, the initial three wells will be completed by the winter of 2010. Each set of wells will be completed in tandem to reduce mobilization costs.
Sites Proposed
The first phase of this initiative will deliver three wells to four villages. All selected villages have trouble using well water during the rainy season due to extreme mineralization of the water. Banni and Yida have difficulties with their well during the end of the dry season because of salinization of the water. By drilling boreholes, not only will the water be purer but it will also contain less mineral or salt deposits. The Gambian Government’s Water Resources Department has given initial approval of sites selected. Using available funds, one solar well can be provided at this time.
If you would like to assist the people of Karantaba, Wellingara, Yida and Banni villages with a source of clean water, please click on donate button in the upper right hand corner of your screen. For additional information please email westafricawave@gmail.com.
Higher Education Scholarships
A large number of high school graduates in West Africa are unable to further their education due to lack of financial resources and limited learning opportunities. The University of the Gambia is one of the few institutions in the area providing a higher education. It is WAVE’s intention to award one scholarship per year to a graduating senior from the CRR to attend the University of the Gambia. The cost of attending this institution for one year is D18000 or approximately $850. The honor will be bestowed upon an individual who excels in the sciences and shows strong dedication to the community, in hopes that she or he may play a future role in the continued development of the region.
If you would like to help create a brighter future for a young Gambian woman or man please click on the donate button in the upper right hand corner of your screen. For additional information please email westafricawave@gmail.com.