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Tam-Tams from Kivu
Micro-project
in Irongo - December 2008
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Thanks to your support, a new pilot micro-project in the domain of
food security was launched last year in Irongo. This village is
situated in South Kivu, a few hours walk from Walungu. Through our
local partner, GEPR - Groupe Engagé pour la Promotion Rurale - (Group
engaged in rural promotion), our NGO financed the construction of a
mill that transforms manioc and sorghum, which are grown in the
region, into flour. Through your generosity, the community in Irongo
have made an additional big step towards food autonomy. Our long
history supporting the hospital in Walungu has taught us how
important food security is for the health of the local people, and
how it contributes significantly to the reduction of urgent health
interventions. The implementation of food security is complementary
to the provision of medical support.
Now for some figures. The opening of the mill was a great success
for the local population. About 500 families use the mill every
month, which allows them to save a lot of time. Before the new mill
was erected, every woman spent over three hours grinding 10 kg of
manioc manually. Now it takes three minutes. This means that
families have much more time to farm.
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During 2008, the second part of the project to build a cantine near
the mill was completed. As the nearest shop is several hours away
(by foot), the usefulness of a small store for everyday food needs
is quite obvious. With the help of GEPR, the people built a small
store, which has been up and running since July 2008. Its success is
evident judging by about 1500 clients visits every month.
Non-perishable products such as rice, salt, sugar, oil and even some
school materials are to be found on the shelves.
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The complete micro-project is founded on the concept of
sustainable development: the income from the cantine will be used
for the maintenance and the later renewal of the mill. The
inauguration in November 2008, at which some members of AAPK were
present, was a big success. It was a moment for speeches and sharing
a meal together. The atmosphere was filled with joy and chatter
between all present. The hope and enthusiasm of the local population
for a better future was tangible.
We hope that with your help we can implement a new project in food
security during 2009. This will be managed in parallel with our
health provision in the hospital of Walungu. We would like to thank
you sincerely for making this work possible. Our small NGO looks
forward to continuing to respond in a practical way to the many
urgent needs of the population of Kivu. At this period of the end of
the year, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to you
for your generosity.
Donate
now
Receive
the Tam-Tams from the Kivu
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