2021 looks to be a great year for the Bukobero community!
We just got word that we have been awarded a second grant from the University District Rotary Club in Seattle, WA! This grant is for training to make interlocking, soil-stabilized bricks.
These bricks have many advantages over local, fired-clay bricks. Interlocking (like Legos!), they are stronger, use less cement, and do not require heat for curing, helping to combat deforestation. Two manual brick presses, for straight and curved bricks, are included in the training and the trainees will learn how to use these bricks in building construction and making water cisterns. Eventually, this we hope this will be an income-generating, sustainable enterprise for the community.
This training will be taught by Friendly Water for the World who are also teaching the Community Engagement Process and Soap Making Training and have made a long term commitment to the Bukobero Community. We hope to start these trainings this spring.
Interlocking Soil Stabilized Bricks
Typical Clay-Fired Bricks
Covid-19 in Uganda
Fortunately, reported Covid-19 cases in Uganda have been quite low, but the economic and health tolls on the population have been tremendous. Early and aggressive government restrictions helped slow the spread of the disease, but many people have lost income and jobs.
Accessing health care is even harder than usual. Restrictions on public transportation have made travel more difficult and expensive. Some pregnant women died in labor, unable to reach hospitals because of travel restrictions. The Bukobero Community Health Centre is needed now more than ever.
Donate and Mask Up!
Our goal is to start construction this summer, if possible. But to do that we need your help. This phase of construction, for site preparation, foundation, and the main structure, will cost approximately $100,000. We have raised almost $75,000. Can you help us raise the additional $25,000 we need?
Your donation will help bring much needed health care to the Bukobero Community. If you are planning to donate your stimulus money, please consider us in your giving. Anything you can give will help.
As a small thank you, for anyone donating $250 or more, we would like to send you one of our handmade, African-fabric face masks. You can choose from our selection below. Fortunately, progress on the pandemic is being made, but we will be wearing face masks a while longer. Why not go out in style?
