Finally, we could finish the rainwater catcher.
The wood we got wasn’t dried properly, wasn’t straight at all, but we could use it.
We reinforced the four posts and supported the platform on which the 10,000-litre tank stands with a stone structure. This was done to ensure a sustainable water supply for irrigation in our greenhouse, as well as for the individual vegetable gardens of residents who do not own farmland.
Three more houses of our students got gutters and a water tank
The people in the houses where we installed gutters last year were very satisfied with the water-collection system. Even during the dry season, when it rained more than usual this year, they rarely had to go to the river for water.
Building a greenhouse
A greenhouse measuring 24 meters by 8 meters was built beside the rainwater catcher. The construction was done by professionals.
Needy people from the immediate area will sow the vegetables and care for the seedlings.
These seedlings are free for those who work in the greenhouse. They also benefit from the proceeds of sales at very low prices to the residents of Bonde. This will allow us in Bonde to quickly transition from corn cultivation to vegetable cultivation in the future. Corn yields much less income than vegetables do when sold.
Starting up our action about planting a fruit tree at every house in Bonde
Together with the “elderly” of Bonde, we are launching a campaign to ensure that by the end of 2027, every home in Bonde has at least one fruit tree.
To achieve this goal, we are encouraging residents to regularly save small amounts. This is done through a joint bank account for every ten people. The amounts in that account are credited to each person’s name. Pre-set goals for the money they save motivate them to save. To withdraw money, two other people from the group must confirm that the money will be spent on the pre-set goal.
The first mandatory goal is to plant one fruit tree at their home.
Earlier this month, we taught the parents of the students whose school fees we pay how to plant a tree and gave them three fruit trees.
This initiative will help reduce food insecurity in Bonde and increase the variety of food available to them.
Through this initiative, they are also learning to save money — in small amounts —toward a specific goal.
By planting thousands of trees, we are also making a small contribution to combating climate change.
