Volume 3
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We [over] Come Together
Edition 3
Clean Water Done Better For us in Canada this summer was a record setting one, for many of the wrong reasons. While simultaneously I enjoyed many more freedoms from relaxed COVID-19 restrictions, we also experienced the devastation of forest fires and unprecedented heat and drought. Having been to Uganda many times, often during the summer, the familiarity was not lost on me. During the height of COVID, the global community experienced just a small part of how critical access to clean water and soap is and why hand-washing and sanitation knowledge can save lives. With summers like the one we experienced this year, the crucial need for water as the lifeblood of a community has been top of mind for everyone. Which is why for the past 30 years we have been building the most drought resistant water delivery systems in the world (Gravity Flow Systems), rather than drilling wells, and not one of them has run dry. In the midst of the dry spell here in Canada, and the ongoing problems of drought in Uganda, we’re continuing to build more taps, raise the standards of sanitation in the community and build more toilets at schools thanks to you. I’ve never been more proud of this community - it’s such a privilege to serve with you in this work. I wanted to share with you these pictures Richard recently texted me from Kogorogoro and Muhaha as the team completed ODF certification (the highest standard of health and hygiene), turned on a few more taps and finished up another latrine at Nyamabaare Primary School.
Your support of one of the most sustainable ways of delivering water in the world is the foundation of our work and it is needed now during global warming, more than ever. Your prayers, continual encouragement and guidance is also the inspiration behind our new innovations, partnerships and our upcoming project: The Sweeter Water Project. I hope you enjoy this issue of the TapStand as much as we have enjoyed being able to share the projects with you!
Jeff Golby
Why Sweeter Water? There’s a moment, the first time people experience clean water - they describe it as tasting ‘sweet.’ This is so common that part of the system, the foundation we’re building off of, was originally called Sweet Water when we fundraised for it 16 years ago! As a way to pay respect to that original system, while adding on all that we know now, we thought we’d call it Sweeter Water. It’s clean water, done better.
The Sweeter Water Project
Year One of the Five Year Plan, Starting in Nyakigyera Through innovation, new partnerships, new ways of looking at old things and with your help - we can set some new records:
20,000 people will be empowered with what they need to take ownership of their hygiene futures and the systems that deliver it. This includes more latrines and training at schools than we’ve ever done before. 20,000 people will gain access to clean, safe water.
This is roughly the population of Ladner or 5 times the population of Fort Langley. It’s bigger than the past 3 years of historic Acts for Water projects combined! In 12 months! And we believe we can do it, if we come: together. The demand for clean water has never been higher, we’re feeling it here in Canada, like our friends in Uganda. We believe that this requires us to innovate, to build more strategically and reach more people than ever before. Please join us today. We shared the results of the system audit we conducted on one of our 16 year old systems with the Government. They agreed to reinforce the existing Gravity Flow System with new technology so it will be strengthened for generations to come. They saw the need and will cover this cost! This system will properly service 10,000 people when complete. Our team will use our expertise to build an extension off of the original system to reach another 10,000 people in new villages who do not yet have access to clean, safe water. It’s an incredible investment as it leverages existing infrastructure. Our Hygiene and Sanitation Team will spend 12 months investing into the health and sanitation of these two communities (existing and new) so that they can take ownership of their hygiene future and the systems that deliver it. This includes building latrines at the least served schools to serve thousands more children. We will work with these communities to pilot three types of market-based solutions geared towards increasing sustainability and health outcomes. From this we’ll create a model to continue to iterate on in the years to come.
TOTAL POPULATION SERVED: 20,000
Will you join us today through our monthly membership community - the Source Supporters? Give Sweeter Water to those without by using the enclosed envelope or visiting: acts.ca/donate-monthly. Your gift will be matched today to double its impact!
[Over] Coming Together Like Never Before: This initiative is a record first for the number of stakeholders to come together in partnership, offering time, talent and treasure to take on such a historic undertaking. 1. Local Ugandan fundraising will likely cover 80% of the materials for this project! A record for us. 2. Local Ugandan donated labour will cover over 80% of this project. 3. Local Ugandan labour will lead in thought leadership, strategic coordination, partnership collaboration with other charities, and execution. Now, your role is needed more than ever, as a partner: by giving, praying and helping us spread the word. We’re looking for Source Supporters to join us monthly for the long term. We have 2 critical funding needs: 1. To raise our Source Supporters (monthly partnerships) by $750 per month (to $15,500) by October 30th, to cover our Ugandan payroll. 2. To raise $20,000 by October 15th for the first payment of materials for Sweeter Water.
Meet Our New M&E Officer
[Over] Coming Together - Jovia’s Story
The ACTS Uganda team welcomed its newest member, Ambrose Bigaba, this past Spring. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Quantitative Economics and currently enrolled in a postgraduate program in Monitoring & Evaluation, Ambrose is very passionate about using data to create an impact.
Before Acts Uganda came to her village in Muhaha, Jovia Komygisha was collecting water from the closest stream available to her. Sadly, it was dirty water which made her sick all too often. Married with two young children, she shares that during her pregnancies she frequently suffered pain in her womb, which only increased when she carried the heavy jerry can 4 times a day to fetch that dirty water. Then during labour for both of her children, she had complications and had to be operated on in order to safely birth the babies.
“I play a critical role in ensuring good program results. This occurs through an accountability mechanism to report on activities verifying they are being delivered as planned, as well as the continuous tracking of what is going well or not going well, so that efficiency and effectiveness are built into our program regularly. I hope to build and accomplish a strong Monitoring & Evaluation system that is evidence-based and can result in improving the lives of the people that we serve.” While growing up in the hills of Kisoro District in Uganda, Ambrose describes that he did not have a chance to benefit from the type of service that Acts for Water now provides: “I remember we would take turns with my siblings deciding who had to miss school to go and collect water from an unprotected well that was far. I could not catch up with school if I had to collect water and this caused a loss of morale in attending school because there would be no time for revision.” Now walking in his new role, Ambrose understands more clearly than ever how placing a tap stand at a school increases learning outcomes, works to reduce waterborne illnesses and helps improve overall cognition and physiological development for students. He is proud to provide insights on data that will enable more children to have access to water within a walkable distance so they do not have to miss out on school like he did.
PO Box 30044 Moncton PO Richmond BC V7E 0A6
But today, with a glimmer of hope in her eyes, she describes her happiness “...because a water tap was built just 25m from my house!” Now, she walks very little and is able to collect more than enough water simply by turning on a tap. And it’s clean, disease-free water! Without having to lift the heavy jerry can multiple times a day across long distances, Jovia is excited to report that she “no longer experiences the pains in her womb!” The work Acts for Water is involved in is more than just about one tap turning on, more than just about water even. It truly is an act of understanding. Of recognizing we each have a role to play. Of journeying together under the same sun. Of [over] coming together. It is a privilege to journey together under the same sun with people like Jovia, with Ambrose and with you. Thank you for coming together with us.
P | 778.855.4352
E | info@acts.ca
We [over] Come Together Overcoming the weight of water poverty is difficult alone. It is more than just about one tap turning on, more than just about water even. It is an act of understanding - of recognizing we all have a role to play, of journeying under the same sun. Of [over] coming together. When a family receives access to clean water, they begin to experience the independence, means and confidence to take ownership of their health, towards a thriving future. That’s why this season, we’re looking for a group of 25 ambassadors who will join together and inspire their own communities to empower a Ugandan family in need. Connect your family, small group, office or team to a Ugandan family, and with our support, rally to raise $500 to bring clean, safe water to that family for life! Let’s [over] Come Together, to create life-giving change through clean water!
BECOME AN AMBASSADOR TODAY & EMPOWER A FAMILY IN NEED at acts.ca/overcome
Come Together to Empower a Family Today. Access to clean water will empower the life of a family forever through: • Access to clean water which gives independence and freedom over daily life • Reduction in waterborne diseases to advance hygiene health and resilience • Providing education and latrines for their kids at school • Training around home-based hygiene essentials like pit latrines and hand-washing stations for the entire family • Coaching and practical skills for economic generating opportunities As an Ambassador, you can expect: • A custom giving page with photos and resources to inspire your friends and family to contribute to the cause • Unique connection points to the Ugandan family who will receive water thanks to your bold action: a chance to send a Christmas greeting, to pray, to hope and to share the bigger perspective with your community • Advanced screening of our new short film • Perks, prizes & more!
Ready to join the movement?
BECOME AN AMBASSADOR TODAY & EMPOWER A FAMILY IN NEED at acts.ca/overcome PO Box 30044 Moncton PO Richmond BC V7E 0A6 P | 778.855.4352 E | info@acts.ca