Campaign Overview: The Greater Essex Community Uplift Foundation (GECUF), a non-profit organization based in East Orange, NJ, is excited to partner with the Thorne Foundation for The Children of Ghana to launch a vital fundraising campaign aimed at bringing clean and safe drinking water to the people of Tamale, the capital city of the Northern Region of Ghana.
Together, we are seeking your support to raise funds for the installation of a borehole, capped with a mechanical pump, that will provide the residents of Tamale with a reliable and hygienic source of water.
Why Tamale Needs Our Help: Tamale, a vibrant and growing city with a population of over 371,000 people, is experiencing rapid development but still faces significant challenges in providing access to clean water for its residents. Many people, particularly those in the surrounding villages, must travel up to 1.5 miles daily to collect water from distant sources. These journeys can be grueling and hazardous, especially for women and children, who are often tasked with this responsibility.
In Tamale, a region known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the Kingdom of Dagbon, the lack of clean water creates health risks for residents. Many are forced to rely on unsafe water sources that can lead to waterborne diseases and other illnesses. The current lack of readily available clean water also hampers the daily lives of the people, impacting agricultural productivity, schooling, and overall community well-being.
How the Borehole and Mechanical Pump Will Help:
- Hygienic Water Source: The installation of a borehole, capped with a mechanical pump, will dramatically improve access to clean, safe drinking water. By capping the borehole, we will ensure that the water remains protected from contamination, reducing the risk of waterborne illnesses and improving overall public health.
- Closer, Safer Access: With the new borehole installed directly in the village, residents will no longer need to make the dangerous trek to distant water sources, avoiding potential hazards like unsafe paths, wildlife encounters, and dehydration from long journeys in the heat.
- Empowering the Community: By providing clean water locally, families in Tamale will have more time for educational, economic, and cultural activities. The presence of safe water will strengthen the community, giving residents more opportunities to thrive in the fields of agriculture, trade, teaching, and artistic expression.
- Sustainable Solution: The mechanical pump will be easy to maintain and ensure a steady supply of water. This long-term investment will benefit Tamale’s current population and future generations as the city continues to grow.
Cultural and Historical Context: Tamale is not just an economic hub but also a cultural treasure in the Northern Region of Ghana. The city is known for its artistic and literary scene, its rich history tied to the Kingdom of Dagbon, and its vibrant festivals like Eid ul-Fitr, Eid Adha, and the Damba Festival. The people of Tamale are resilient, creative, and proud of their heritage, yet they still face modern challenges like water scarcity that threaten their daily lives.
How You Can Help: Our goal is to raise $20,000 to fund the drilling of the borehole, the installation of the mechanical pump, and necessary training for local technicians to maintain the system. Every donation, no matter the size, will bring us closer to providing clean, safe water to Tamale.
Donation Levels:
- $25: Helps provide materials for the borehole infrastructure.
- $50: Contributes to the cost of drilling.
- $100: Supports the purchase and installation of the mechanical pump.
- $500: Covers the training of local technicians to maintain the pump.
- $1,000+: Major donors will be recognized with a personalized plaque at the borehole site.
Join Us in Making a Difference: The people of Tamale need your help to make this vision a reality. By donating today, you can provide clean water, improve health and safety, and empower the community of Tamale to focus on what matters most: building a brighter future for themselves and their children.
To donate, please visit our campaign page or contact us directly for more ways to support. Together, we can create lasting change for the people of Tamale.
Thank you for your generosity and support!
For More Information Contact: Barry Devone III, MPA, Chairman of the Board, Greater Essex Community Uplift Foundation at (732) 798-5621. GECUF Website: https://thecuf.org/; Email: gecuf2001@gmail.com.
Thorne Foundation for The Children of Ghana Website: https://www.thornefoundation.com/
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Videos from Tamale, Ghana: