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
 The
impact of these wells on our families is immediate and significant.
The first, very noticeable impact is the decrease in the incidence
of diarrhea and skin infections in the families. Within weeks,
children and adults gain weight; their skin tones and eyes
lose that haunted, dry look and their ability to work increases by
several hours a day.
The second, very noticeable impact is the increase in income and
improvement in diet. Every family begins a small vegetable garden for
family consumption and the sale of excess vegetables provides much
needed daily income. Each family uses the well to further increase
their income. For example, one group of 5 families were able to raise and sell 5
pigs. It 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 times of drought, families are 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%.
Tabitha's goal for the 2010/11 fiscal year is provide potable water for 4,732 families with 37,856 dependents with the installation of 1912 wells and ponds, in 12 project areas. Each well will serve 3 families, and ponds a larger community.
These impacts are extraordinary for their immediate and
long-term effect on our families.
-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, or purchase online through Just Giving.
SPECIAL THANKS click on
this link to see a list of people and organizations who have generously
supported tabitha.
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