Project Lessons
Key conclusions we learnt from this project.
So What Have We Learned
Prove the concept:
We did a pilot at Ciamanda Primary School, which validated our approach and budget, including the ability of local labour to complete the works and maintain them in a sustainable solution.
Obtain Broad Support:
Our project proposal was supported by our five European twinned Rotary Clubs (forming with us the “Double Triangular” Group) in September 2019. Every one of them donated to the project for a grand total of over $6,000.
Seek District Support:
Formal District Grant application was made in time, but despite the example of all our twinned clubs donating to the project, we were only granted £3000 out of the £7000 we were expecting and had a shortfall in funding the project.
Never Give Up:
How to fill the gap? We turned to crowdfunding, using “GlobalGiving”, an organisation promoted by Rotary, to fill the gap. We postponed our participation from September to the December Programme. One of the best decisions we could have made. It gave us more time to prepare, a longer program to raise money, and a brilliant result – raising a total of over $16,000.
These steps are enough, with the District Grant (whenever that finally appeared), to allow us to complete the project for all the eight wells we planned, and be able to fund maintenance or repairs in the years to follow.
By Peter Greene
Related pages...
Revisiting the Wells 2023
more Margaret Fowler returned in March 2023 to see what progress had been made since her November visit.
Visiting the Success 2022
more Club members Rev. Margaret Fowler reports on her October visit to Kenya to see our Borewells in operation.
Kenya Water Wells Project Success
more Project completed - Objectives Exceeded - TEN wells built and in operation
Now It's Ten not Six
more Fundraising exceeded expectations and we are able to fund not just the original 6 Borewells, but a total of 10 borewells in all.
Kenyan Water Wells Donation Process
more Make these children Happy and Safe! Help deliver Fresh clean water for 2,500 Kenyan Schoolchildren by donating to this project. Donate here.
Our Bonus Day Campaign
more Bonus Day event - Give on December 9 and help us win a prize for the most donors to this project.
Kenyan Borwells - not boring at all
more The background to our story
Success Built on Team Effort
more A personal reflection by Rtn. Revd. Margaret Fowler
Funding Shortfall - From Plan to Reality
more How we used Crowdfunding to raise the "missing" money we needed.
Making a Real difference
more A resume of the origin, support and delivery of the project
Borewell Videos
more A selection of videos taken during the project implementation at some of the schools where the wells are being dug.
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Clean water - 10 Wells for 5,500 Children
back 5,500 children at 10 schools in Kenya, are benefitting from reliable, fresh, clean water for drinking, washing, cleaning, and watering of crops. This will make a huge difference to their lives for less than ten pounds per child.