restoring running water to a school in the gambia
DESCRIPTION
This is part two. The project was completed thanks to all of the donations.TRANSCRIPT
Restoring Running Water to a School in The Gambia
Our Latest Project
Nyakoi Upper Basic and Senior Secondary School
Madina Koto Village, Wuli West Division,
The Gambia, West Africa
• Water Pump Replacement Project Background
The Nyakoi Upper Basic and Senior Secondary School is located in Madina Koto Village, Wuli West District of The Gambia's Upper River Region. The school's population consists of 449 students which includes 258 boys and 191 girls. There are also 14 teachers and 5 ancillary staff for a total campus community of 468 individuals. Since 2010 there has been no running water at the school. The purpose of this project was to make repairs to an existing, non-functional solar-powered water pumping system at the school. A school with 468 staff and students requires a substantial amount of water in order to satisfy drinking water, sanitation, and the 'per student' requirements of the school kitchen. As a result of the lack of an on-campus water supply, the school garden and banana orchard had to be discontinued due to the garden's high water demand.
The Old Remedy for the Water Problem Water for the school was carried by the caretakers on bikes up to 20 times per day using large containers filled from taps located 200 meters (Madina Village) and 325 meters (Taibatu Village) from the school. Everyone in the school who needed water came and shared a cup from the containers. The students complained about only getting half a cup and having to share one cup between many students.
Dried up and Dirty Facilities
The School’s Philosophy
The principal of the school gained community support for the project to get a new pump, circuit breaker, and other equipment to get the water flowing. They received promised funding from the Gambian Ministry of Education. Additional funding was
needed to pay for approximately 75% of the project..
Outdated Panels, Inoperable Pump
This project accomplished the following: the defective pump was removed from the bore hole, a new pump, 6 new solar panels, a circuit breaker and new wiring were installed. As a result, the school has sufficient water to meet its daily needs, and they are now able to restore the school garden.
New Equipment
This July, the new panels were installed, and the pump was replaced and repaired. The water tank was cleaned. Within two days the water was flowing!
Fixing the Plumbing and Cleaning Up
The Facilities have been cleaned and new plumbing and faucets were added. The flow of water frees up the administration, caretakers, and teachers so
they can focus on the school's vision and mission.
• The equipment restored water which is a basic need of any educational center of this size.
• Water now pumps to all faucets, bathrooms, drinking fountains, classrooms, and administrative buildings.
• The fruit trees in the garden will be replanted and enjoyed by all. • Students will not have to interrupt class to get water. • Hand washing and good hygiene will increase with flowing water. • The use of a renewable resource is a great learning opportunity for the students • This project will impact the local community by eliminating the daily need to
transport water to the school from an outside source. The community also has a new source of water and reliable high quality solar panels.
What are the Benefits of this Project?
Project Costs
The school promised to contribute 20,000 dalasi and the regional education office promised 25,000 dalasi. The rest of the donations came from a group generous donors.
How We Got The Job Done Community Involvement The school administration was driving the project. The school staff made arrangements with the contractor for completing the work within one week and they obtained cost estimates for the labor, parts, and materials needed to complete the project. Once the money and materials arrived the job was completed in TWO DAYS! Implementation Completion of the project was accomplished in the following stages: First, the defective pump was removed from the bore hole and the new pump was installed with new electrical cable. Second, the inverter circuit breaker was removed and replaced with a new one. Third, six new solar panels were installed and wired into the existing circuitry. Fourth, new electrical cable was connected to the water tank's water flow cut-off mechanism to stop the pump when the desired tank capacity is reached. Sustainability Designated school personnel will be trained on basic system theory, function of major components and operation of the system. These individuals will also learn the basic maintenance requirements for daily upkeep, ensuring sustained operation based on the manufacturer's recommendations. The principal plans to establish a maintenance fund to plan for any future costs associated with the pump and panels.
As a result, the school will have sufficient water to meet its daily needs and will be able to supply water to bathrooms, sinks, classrooms, and staff living quarters. There will be enough water for the fruit trees to be replanted in the school garden. The local community can also use the school as a source of drinkable water
Positive Results
The Care Takers Are the Happiest of All!
THANK YOU TO ALL OF DONORS We raised $7440 for this project in just a few weeks! Your compassion and
generosity will make a lasting impact in this community. The new equipment is expected to supply water to the school for 15 to 20 years! The extra funds were used to buy plumbing parts and books for students. We also donated a
small amount to Gambia Lifewater Project, which is a water charity that continues to work on similar projects in The Gambia.
Thanks to our Project Managers Lacy and Justin!
Contact Information
Project Managers
Lacy Szuwalski: Email: [email protected]
Justin Spees:
Email: [email protected]
Headmaster of Nyakoi Senior Secondary School
Ansu Kinteh
How to Get Involved In the Next Project
If you or your organization are interested in making a difference and getting involved in our next social or environmental project then please send questions to our international project coordinator, Justin Spees via email: [email protected] telephone: +34 693545004