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World Water Day 2014

Megan Brandsrud

​​Lutheran Disaster Response has a long history of providing clean, unpolluted water for drinking, cooking and cleaning in areas that have experienced disaster. We have many water programs around the world, from places impacted by drought to refugee camps where potable water is scarce.  Below are two programs where your gifts helped provide clean water.

Uganda

Working with The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), we have implemented a safe water project among Congolese refugees in Rwamwanja Settlement of the Kamwenge District in Uganda. Ten deep boreholes were drilled and installed in and around the settlement, and water source committees were formed to provide education about sanitation and to help maintain the boreholes.

borehole - Uganda

Providing additional water sources reduced the distance and time taken to access clean water, and they increased the level of safe water consumption in households. This meant that there was a decrease in the number of waterborne diseases and an improvement in overall health and diet. The reduced distance also meant that traveling to get water became safer for women and girls, who are often vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence.

Some water points were provisioned near the camp’s host community, which also promoted a peaceful co-existence between the refugees and the host community members.

Kenya

In partnership with TheLWF introducing solar water filter Lutheran World Federation, we have been a part of a pilot solar safe water system in Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya. The project aims to support environmental conservation through alternative energy and to reduce the number of waterborne diseases.

The device is specially designed to use heat, UV light and a built in filter to clean contaminated water. The system generates approximately 40-60 liters of safe water per household every day. This water has had a profound impact on the community. Children suffer from less illnesses and eye infections by having easy access to clean, warm water. Firewood use has decreased by 20 percent since water no longer has to be boiled to make it potable. People have also said that the easy access to safe water gives them more free time, which is now spent on income-generating activities, such as agriculture.

Water is a precious resource. The United Nations reports that 783 million people do not have access to clean water, and almost 2.5 billion people do not have access to adequate sanitation. Because of this, 6-8 million people die every year from water-related diseases. Potable water programs have a huge impact on communities. Thanks to your generosity, Lutheran Disaster Response is able to help implement clean water programs in areas that have been impacted by disaster. We continue to pray for those who thirst, and we will continue to walk with those who are dealing with the vast consequences of disasters.

The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the Lord will answer them. – Isaiah 41:17

 

Pictured:

Above: Pump head of a drilled borehole. Below: Member of LWF introducing the solar water filter.

Central African Republic: Companion Church Distributes Food and Clothing

Megan Brandsrud

​Beneficiaries of Food and Clothing Distribution in CAR

March 3, 2014

Violence and security continue to be concerns for our brothers and sisters in the Central African Republic (CAR). Of the country’s 4.6 million people, approximately 2.5 are in need of assistance, according to a recent report from the United Nations.

On Feb. 8 and 9, members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic (EELRCA) distributed rice, vegetable oil and clothing to 10,202 people impacted by violence in the country. With funds from Lutheran Disaster Response – International and Mission Afrika, a total of 50 tons of rice, 4,890 liters of vegetable oil and 41 packages of gently-used clothing were distributed from the EELRCA head office and the main mosque in the Haoussa neighborhood of Bouar.

The food distribution was a long process of purchasing the food, measuring out rations, and delivering the food under the risks of security and personal safety. However, the EELRCA is committed to serving and assisting people in CAR, despite the obstacles. Amidst the crisis, the church is still living and acting as the church as the Gospel continues to be proclaimed through word and deed.

After listening to the joys of the beneficiaries, Rev. André Golike of the EELRCA said, “When you live and share in people’s lives, you know them and understand what they need. Others give us soy, which is not something we eat very often. Our partner [the ELCA] gave us rice and clothing. This is what we eat. Many people have lost everything. Now they have clothes to wear.”

People of the region continue to show up at the church head office seeking assistance, as the church is looked to as a great source of support during this crisis. We will continue to pray for peace as we walk with our brothers and sisters in the Central African Republic and provide assistance to those who remain impacted by the on-going violence.

The EELRCA provided food and clothing to 10,202 individuals:

  • 2,984 children ages 0-5 years
  • 3,727 children ages 6-15 years
  • 3,491 adults