A Light Ahead: New Developments in the Quest for Clean Water

            It will not surprise anyone who knows me to learn that I really enjoy getting my news from a variety of different sources. My quest for knowledge is really only complete if I am getting the whole picture, from a range of different perspectives. It was during this daily “quest for knowledge” that I stumbled upon an article, discussing the recent Clinton Global Initiative summit. One thing that stuck out at me was the way former President Clinton highlighted a new partnership, just in its infancy, between the aid organization WorldVision and the consumer giant Procter and Gamble.

            Now of course my first thought was, “What could possibly come out of this to benefit the developing world?” Turns out, P&G has developed water purification packets, tiny powder packs that kill bacteria and parasites, purifying enough drinking water for a whole family with just one packet. As part of this new enterprise, WorldVision is helping to distribute them, a major efficacy roadblock that P&G has struggled with since the product’s invention.

            Critics argue that the partnership will not have as significant an impact as much of the global community anticipates. The P&G packets have been around for about five years now, and of course there is still a major shortage of clean water in Africa. However, what the company so far has lacked has been an effective delivery mechanism. For WorldVision, which already makes many deliveries of food, clothes, etc. to African countries, to add purification packets to its cargo load is no loss on their part. It’s brilliantly simple but brilliantly efficient.

            According to the article (which can be found at http://www.redorbit.com/news/business/1112701745/world-vision-highlighted-at-clinton-global-initiative-for-providing-clean/), WorldVision is going to begin delivering the packets to Chad, Mali, Ghana, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, and of course, our beloved Sierra Leone.  The organization also has programs to help install permanent water and sanitation infrastructure in the countries it services, for long-term solutions. Exciting times ahead in the future of Sierra Leone! For more information on why water sanitation is so critical to the development of a country, see http://khadarlis-change.blogspot.com/2012/06/let-river-flow-signs-of-progress-in.html.

Marisa N. | Volunteer Blogger

Khadarlis for Sierra Leone

marisa@khadarlis.org

Khadarlis' Steady March Towards Community Development in Providence

For a small nonprofit with an ambitious Community  Out reach  and overseas programs in remote villages in Sierra Leone to remain resilient to forge ahead in the interest of vulnerable groups is commendable and deserve help from all well meaning philanthropists and development partners.

Since its inception in 2007, Khadarlis has been there championing the cause of the poor and distressed population in the midst of the global economic trend!

Today, Khadarlis in collaboration with Cross Roads Community Action, East Bay Community Action and Providence Community Action is running a Community Outreach center where provision is made for the homeless in the Providence area supplying them with   beddings, clothing, household items and other assorted items in order to ease stress on those in dire need of help to settle in their new homes.

The development paradigm is such that every segment of society is expected to contribute its own quota of development and the role of nonprofits is crucial in complementing the efforts of government. There is a common adage that "While politicians are there for the power, nonprofits are always there for the people"

Though it is challenging for a young nonprofit like Khadalis to make all the dramatic strides expected of all nonprofits, real success has been very gradual but the impact will be felt immensely in favor of the people we serve.

With regards overseas projects, there has been series of collaborations with local champions on the ground in Sierra Leone and we are optimistic that in the next couple of months, some of those partnerships will fall into place and grants that have been written once approved will go through an implementation phase.

In other words, Khadarlis as a relentless and committed initiative is pleased  to always reach out to readers with updates on every little  progress.

Please visit our website @  http://www.khadarlis.org