Clean water is not so easy to come by in the area around Marsabit in northern Kenya: To reach water sources, the villagers have to travel long distances, and equitable access for all is often the cause of conflict. But the water is still far from clean enough for household use, is contaminated and causes diseases. The first step is therefore to purify the water with the help of water filters. At the same time, an old cistern in the village is to be restored to store rainwater, which can then also be used.
First step: Clean water
Self-sufficiency and production of water filters
After the initial supply of the population with water filters, the production of these filters is also to be established in Marsabit by 2021. This could create jobs and further improve the drinking water supply in the surrounding area.
Create educational opportunities
Access to education is the key to improving living conditions. With the "pastoral school" all villagers, not only the children, are given the opportunity to learn the basic skills of reading, writing and arithmetic, as well as the English language, but also basic knowledge about nutrition, energy and hygiene. Women in particular benefit from this, as most of them had to drop out of school at an early age.
Opening doors to the world
Even though the living conditions may be simple and rudimentary from a European point of view, a minimal use of technology can make a big difference here, too: Together with supporters from Germany, the village community wants to open up access to the internet, especially for the young generation. A small computer centre is to be set up where young people can learn how to use computers and the internet as a gateway to education and knowledge.
Sustainable, social and future-oriented
Clemens Schlenkrich and his friends in Germany learn just as much from the project as the friends in Kenya: "We use the skills and talents that each of us can contribute - musically, technically, linguistically or pedagogically. But above all, friendships grow and we learn so much about the culture, way of life and human wealth of the Kenyans through regular contact. "
The fact that the projects fit wonderfully into the efforts for sustainability and socio-political growth, which the UN has laid down in the 17 goals for sustainable development as a programme until 2030, also pleases the staff on both sides.