HeadStrong has developed a comprehensive five year flexible development program based on the following principles: Collaboration with community leadership concerning identification, creation, fulfillment, and sustenance of projects Utilization of in country goods, labor, and expertise as often as possible in order to create self sufficiency while limiting dependency Encouraging the communities to whom we provide assistance, in turn, to provide assistance to other communities in need in an effort to facilitate accountability, in country expertise and collaboration, and a sense of community achievement and service at the grassroots level A common question: Why install a working rope pump and replace it with an India Mark hand pump? Rope pumps are open where the rope goes in and out of the well. This increases the chance of contamination from animal droppings, rain pollution, children throwing items into the well, etc. An India Mark II is a galvanized steel pump that is completely closed to outside elements. It also pumps water more efficiently so that obtaining adequate water takes less time. Yes, the India Mark is harder to repair. Many groups put in these pumps and never return to the site. Our long term investment plan (working in this community at least five years) allows us: 1) time to train locals on pump repair 2) to assist locals in learning where they can obtain spare parts to work with them 3) to create transparent, community elected water committee that oversees pump maintenance and repair funds In addition, we will incorporate hygiene and sanitation training during the pump conversion process to begin helping the community understand the link between sanitation, clean water, and good health
Posted on: Mon, 30 Sep 2013 01:18:22 +0000