Clean Drinking Water!

Clean drinking water is a huge problem in Tanzania. When children are drinking water that is contaminated they contract many diseases. Although many do not die from drinking contaminated water they are often sick, missing school and causing their parents to spend money on doctor visits that could be avoided if they had access to clean, safe drinking water. Shining a Light is proud to say that our women now have access to safe drinking water in all of their homes thanks to Hope Reformed Church in Kalamazoo, MI. A few weeks ago 25 Sawyer Water Filters showed up at our workshop. We were unclear how the ladies would handle this wonderful donation since none of them had been educated on clean water. So with the help of African Outreach who delivered our filters we conducted a two day seminar that taught these women the heath and economic benefits of using these filters. One of the many challenges of living in Tanzania and working with these women is education. If they don't understand how something will improve their life then they wont be willing to try it. We also wanted the women to pay for the filters. Even though they were a donation we felt that the women would take ownership if a small fee was enforced. After the seminar not one of the ladies bought the filter BUT all of them did!!!!! After being educated on the health benefits to them and their families they saw the need and felt that the price was worth it. Shining a Light is not just about sandals and salaries. We are educating these women in many areas one very important one being Health Care and Disease Prevention.