The story in this video is difficult to watch. But the story we're about to share with you may offer a sense of hope.
It has been our mission to aid the Rulenge, Tanzania community by supporting education and health projects. Little by little and because of so many amazing supporters, we're making this happen, one small step at a time.
Several weeks ago we learned that the Tanzanian government sent rigs to the community to drill for public projects. We knew we needed to seize the opportunity to use these rigs to fund the creation of wells for some of the schools or clinics in the area that desperately need access to potable water as well. The urgency was strong, because it is rare to find rigs in such a remote area of Africa. It's an expense that has impeded many of the projects on our long wish list.
First we knew we had to request permission from Water Hope to submit a surprise proposal, which they graciously said yes to without hesitation. Then, we hurried to gather the facts and wrote a detailed report for the Santa Clara Girls' Secondary School which recently opened this year and currently serves 80 children. By building this well and finding other funding to install electricity, this school has the capacity to educate more than 800 female students.
Well, we put the proposal together in record time, and to our amazement Water Hope accepted it. $21,000 is off to Tanzania and the well will be completed in only a few weeks.
We stammer as we rejoice with one another over this success story. 800 African GIRLS will earn an education and have healthy water to drink! We think of all of the friendly faces that buy a brownie at one of our bake sales or the generosity of those who volunteer at one of our events. We think of the open hearts of those who support Water Hope. We appreciate the support of kind words and silent prayer. We are keenly aware that all of these seeds are planted in our garden, and we are in awe to watch it grow. This well means education, job opportunities, and good health. It means more than any westerner can most likely comprehend.
Yes, there is despair. But no doubt, there is also hope.
