I have a lot to tell. We have made beautiful steps with Pamoja Kenya. Various organizations have supported us with a generous donation. This allows us to go on with a number of projects. I am very happy with it and it gives me extra energy to continue.

Pity …
I have been in Kenya for three weeks. Initially for holiday, together with my partner, Theo. I could not start a new project, because our foundation had not received enough money for that. I had already accepted that I had to postpone the project to September. That felt really bad for me, because it’s very dry in the coastal area of Kenya recently. And therefore the need for water is very big. But it was the reality I had to accept, whether I liked it or not.

Not been idle
That didn’t mean that I have only been sitting in the sun. By the way, that was not a pleasure with average temperatures of 35 0C. Together with Philip Kahindi, our supervisor in Kenya, I have visited our projects. We have had a meeting with the Governor. And we have looked at what we can do in the future.

And then …
… I checked the bank account of Pamoja Kenya again. That made me totally happy. I saw that we had received a big donation from an organization that had been approached by our cooperation partner Bureau Internationale Samenwerking (BIS). With that money, plus the income of the webshop and the grant from Wilde Ganzen, there was enough to realize our new water well/pump project in the village of Baraka in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest (Kilifi county). Awesome!

To work!
I still had a week before we would fly back home. It was a busy, but inspiring week. It was a big switch, from the beach with a glass of white wine into the car and at work. In the Kenyan heat … But I immediately got new energy.

Research started
I called Gilbert Odera from Foundation Flo Flo. ‘Can you come to Matsangoni?’ He was so excited that he immediately took the night bus from Kisumu to Mombasa. On Sunday 13 March, Philip and I together with Gilbert started the survey for the construction of the well. So we could find out with whom we are dealing with by our collaboration with Flo Flo. That was also important for Philip, who finally has the supervision on site. Gilbert works with the Dutch mentality. Very pleasant, half a word was enough. The Board of our Kenyan Department was also there. We have had a successful meeting. I introduced Gilbert to the Governor. What a passionate man that is! Someone who really has heart for his people.

Money from Wilde Ganzen
By now I had called my contact at Wilde Ganzen and told him the good news. Wilde Ganzen cooperated immediately and has – at high exception! – transferred an amount to the Dutch account of Pamoja Kenya. This payment took a while, because of poor internet connection and a number of formalities. But we could get started!

County pays electric current
Gilbert, with his team of strong, young men, starts the project around 4 April. Philip and the other members of our Kenyan board arrange the money and practical matters. The implementation of this project will take 4 to 6 weeks. Another memorable fact is, that we can install a power connection to the water pump easily That means that we don’t have to buy an expensive generator. We can use that money now to buy a water tower and a water tank. Even better: we don’t have to pay for the current, the local authority takes care of that. The Governor has promised that. We pay the cables which have to be connected to pump.

More good news
And on top of all, at the end of March I got the affirmation of a donation from another organization that had been approached by BIS. That means that after this we can go on with our Public Toilet project on this place straightaway. Awesome! I am completely happy.
Philip has talked with the Governor about the future. They have also paid a working visit to the area where we carry out our next project.

Never give up!
Funny, how things can work out. I left for Kenya with a sad feeling because I could not start a new project. Three weeks later, back in the Netherlands, the project is starting yet and even a second project is in the pipeline. That shows again: never give up! Our Foundation has a beautiful future. I’ve got extra energy. And you? Will you continue to help us bring water to the people in Matsangoni? Thank you in advance!

Marion van de Voort
Chairman Pamoja Kenia