WELLS
ORDER FORM
One of the most important community development projects in
recent years is the Tabitha Wells program. Below Janne Ritskes,
Tabitha's founder comments of the impact and significance the wells
are having to the poor of Cambodia
 "In
our program year of 2001-2002, one of our staff, Deth Dara died of
an illness often aggravated by dirty water - he died of
Hepatitis B. Dara, like all of our staff, was known and loved by
those volunteer house builders who had come to build houses in his
area. In response to his death, they sent monetary contributions- to
be used in his memory in a meaningful way. That way was to help
provide wells to our families; 99% of who have no access to clean,
potable water near their homes. 23 wells were dug in his memory -
news of the wells traveled abroad and others began to buy a well
for families here.
 The
impact of these wells on our families was immediate and significant.
The first, very noticeable impact was the decrease in the incidence
of diarrhea and skin infections in the families. Within weeks,
children and adults had gained weight; their skin tones and eyes
lost that haunted, dry look and their ability to work increased by
several hours a day.
The second, very noticeable impact was the increase in income and
improvement in diet. Every family began a small vegetable garden for
family consumption and the sale of excess vegetables provided much
needed daily income. Each family used the well to further increase
their income. One group of 5 families were able to raise and sell 5
pigs. Each - cost them $50.00 for the piglets and they were sold for
$375.00 only four months later - a very welcome income. Other
families used the water to irrigate fields to grow vegetables - in
this current drought, a number of families have been able to flood
their fields for the growing of rice. One of the goals of the water
well project is to increase the incomes of the families from an
average of 60 cents per day to an average of $1.50 per day, through
income generated by water supported income sources and through the
decrease of illnesses such as diarrhea and skin disease by 70%.
Our dream for 2007/08 is that we can dig 1204 wells across 11 pronvinces, to give the gift
of life to 3612 families. That's over 28,000 people who will benefit.
These impacts have been extraordinary for their immediate and
long-term impacts on our families. In direct response to this and in
support of our ongoing community development programs, Tabitha
Cambodia has made specific plans and budgets for wells in the coming
program year. "
-Janne Ritskes
The cost of each well for materials and drilling is only £60.00.
For each well purchased you will receive a certificate suitable for
a holiday gift, a special thank-you, or as a keepsake for the
recipient.
Email
Tabitha Foundation
UK
if you would
like to purchase a well, or to print an order form go to wells order form
SPECIAL THANKS click on
this link to see a list of people and organizations who have generously
supported tabitha.
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