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Matching Grant # 61690

Rotary International organizes districts together in groups of 12 or 13 districts called a Zone.  Usually two neighboring zones meet together annually and hold training and informational sessions.

The twenty-four Rotary Districts in Zones 29 & 30 decided to work together in the 2006-2007 Rotary year to fund a dairy project in Romania and a water project in Niger.

Rotarians are investing over $37,000 via our Rotary Foundation in this Niger water project.

At the time of this project, the country of Niger was considered by the United Nations to be the poorest country in the world. An article about Niger had been featured in the Rotarian magazine, focusing on the efforts of the 2005-2006 Rotary District Governor to start new Rotary clubs in Niger and sponsor several matching grants.

We contacted District Governor Laurence Kouassi who put us in touch with District 9100 Water Resources Chairman Nicholas Mancus who told us about a water tower project that was needed in rural Niger - a project in partnership with the Peace Corps.

We soon found ourselves partnering with the brand new Rotary Club of Niamey-Gaweye and other Niger Rotarians such as Gaston Kaba, of the Niamey-Croix-du-Sud Club. The village of Guidan Bako Chawaye in the Maradi Region of Niger was identified as needing a water tower, pump and generator. There were two sources of water, but the women of the village spent a huge amount of time gathering the water using a foot pump from one source. The second was driven by oxen, whose waste products ended up contaminating the water, making the villagers sick.

A Peace Corps volunteer serving that village worked with the villagers and Rotarians of Niamey-Gaweye to develop the necessary details.  Sponsoring Clubs of this Matching Grant were the Rotary Club of Niamey-Gaweye, Niger, D9100 and Rotary Club of Topeka, Kansas, D5710. Additional funding came from seventeen districts of Rotary Zones 29 and 30 and also from District 9100.

Peace Corps volunteer working with villagers or Guidan Bako Chawaye

Foundation for the water tank is being prepared.

Concrete and mortar being mixed.

The foundation for the "engine house" where the generator that will run the pump will be housed.

The walls of the engine house are raised.

The supporting structure for the water tank is constructed off site.

The water tank itself is ready to be transported to the village.

Project dedication day arrives

Villagers gather to welcome Rotarians and water.

The first drops of water come from the pipes.

Three such water "fountains" were installed throughout the village.

Very auspicious sight, as a rainbow appears over the water tank.

Go to Rotary Zone 29 & 30 Website