(ANS - Madrid) - Access to safe water changes the life of the community. The construction of a simple well improves the health of the people, increases agricultural production and leads to a better quality of life for families, especially for girls and women. The Salesian missionaries know this and that is why they have started a project for the construction of wells in one of the poorest regions of Ethiopia.

About fourteen million people in Ethiopia are at risk for lack of food and more than ten million need urgent humanitarian aid, according to the UN. This country in the Horn of Africa has suffered several famines and some of its regions, such as Tigray, where the Salesian missionaries work, suffers chronic famine. This year, there is a drought. In an effort to remedy the situation, the missionaries have been working to construct wells and improve sanitation.

The wells will be constructed using techniques compatible with the traditions, practices and customs of the region. In addition, business companies in the area will be used to boost the economy. Each community will be responsible for water management so as to increase their participation in the development of the community.

A people, a well, a school

The wells will give water for family consumption and also for agriculture, the primary source of livelihood for families in the area. Until now the children and women had the task of carrying water from the wells. Many children could not go to school and did not have time to play. With the construction of new wells, their lives will change for the better. They will no longer have to travel several kilometres to fetch water and they will be able to attend school.

Three Salesian examples

The past pupils of the Don Bosco Salesian School at Matunga in Mumbai (India), have donated a water purification system for drinking water that will supply enough for about 3,500 children.

Thanks to the project "A well for Andrés", five wells have been built in the past few years in Gambella (Ethiopia).

The Salesian community of Don Bosco Fambul is committed to the construction of an industrial well in Freetown (Sierra Leone), which will benefit the inmates of Pademba prison where there are many young detainees.

Source: Misiones Salesianas, Madrid

Published 04/09/2015