We recently funded the construction of a well at one of the artisan communities that makes beautiful soapstone carvings in Western Kenya. This is a report from Kerry Evans at SERRV International.

Dear Holly and Audrey,

While in Kenya, I visited Nyabigena Soapstone Carvers who were the recipient of your grant for equipment for two wells.  The community is so happy to have these wells.  They have made such improvements to their lives, especially the women and children.  My first visit to Nyabigena was in September 2005 where I witnessed the women and children traveling so far for water.  Now, it is so much better for them.  They were so excited to show me the wells.  The first well had been complete for some time but I did get to see the second well being dug.  I thought you would like to see photos.  Some of the photos show the process of pulling up the young man who is digging the well.  It was amazing to see this young man emerge from the hole.  I expected to see a pail of dirt not a man!

This well is the very first well dug in this district and is  centrally located.  It services over 100 families who now only have  to walk at most 500 meters or about a third of a mile.  Before, not  only did they have to walk further but also up and down steep  hillsides.  The well is 33 meters deep or about 108 feet.  The grant from World of Good included money for two pumps.  The second well was in the process of being dug while I was there and was expected to be functioning very soon.  The community paid for the second well.  Nyabigena would like to secure funds to dig two more wells.  Then everyone in their district and all the soapstone carvers and their
families would have access to a good water source.

On behalf of Nyabigena and SERRV, thanks again for making such a change in the lives of the Nyabigena community.

Best regards,
Kerry