Written by Sharon Mkhonto, Regional Office Manager Mpumalanga Region
There is no greater joy than handing over a complete project to happy recipients. Last year the Mpumalanga Region installed two water tanks and ran a Water Awareness Project in two villages namely Naas (Nkomazi East) and Phumulani (East District). The initiative was funded by the German NGO Nangu Thina and and came at the right time and to the right people.
The first water tank was installed at the 1st Phumlani Scout Group. They were full of joy upon receiving a water tank that will be beneficial to the Group and members of GFC church. The second water tank was installed at the Bophelong Pre-School and the care-givers working at the school were just as joyful that their work now could be carried out with ease. In order for the water tank to be secured and to sustain for a longer period, a stand was built at the Bophelong Pre-School.
In addition to receiving the water tank, the Scouts, Cubs, Leaders and care-givers were taught about water safety, filters, purification and harvesting. The knowledge attained through Scouting will make it easier to carry out all of this as it prepared them for the future. It is very important for our youth to be taught the importance of conserving water.
1st Phumlani Scout Group took it one step further and also decided to do some maintenance work that served as a skills enabling project whereby Scouts could be of service in their communities and at their homes. The Scouts received skills such as installing drainage pipes as drains are normally a problem when neglected and the basic skills are required for them to care for their communities.
It is important for all to have access to clean drinking water and to be able to wash hands regularly, Bophelong Pre-School and 1st Phumlani Scout Group were fortunate to receive a water tank that would enable them to have clean water, attain knowledge on water conservation and live a healthy lifestyle. The Scouts from 1st Mgubho Scout Group will be in contact with the Day Care Centre in order to ensure the water tank sustains.
The project is complete and the filling of the tanks is now the responsibility of the beneficiaries when there is running water from the taps, as they sometimes get water in the evenings or once a week depending on the area.
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