As noted in a previous posting, we encountered problems in drilling our first well last year because the bore hole collapsed and our efforts to shore it up were unsuccessful. We ultimately concluded that a thin-walled steel pipe was needed to keep the borehole open and that we could not obtain it in Sierra Leone. We had the equipment built in Boise and have recently shipped it to Sierra Leone. The pipe will be suspended in the bore hole using the winch system pictured below. The equipment should arrive in early December; we hope to be using it by, or soon after, Christmas.

We have also been working on new designs for the pump. The usual approach in Sierra Leone is to use an India Mark II or some other “piston pump”. Many studies have shown, however, that these pumps fail after a few years and are rarely replaced because of their high cost (>$1000). An alternative that has been gaining favor among development specialists is the rope pump. Rope pumps use a continuous rope with washers or “pistons” that just fit inside the rising main to lift water (see figure). Rope pumps are inexpensive and can be built and repaired by local groups. It is estimated that >100,000 are in operation around the world. We are cooperating with several groups to review existing designs for possible use in Sierra Leone.

November 20th, 2009 | Tags: development, Sierra Leone, well-drilling | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Michael Looft has accepted a position with Village Hope as Vice President for Operations. He will supervise our Sierra Leone Country Director and be responsible for the day-to-day operation of Village Hope. Michael has a varied background, well-suited to our needs. After high school he worked as a professional carpenter and fisherman for several years. He then attended San Francisco State University, obtaining a BS in International Business Finance in 1999. During his undergraduate studies he also worked in financial planning and risk modelling for Wells Fargo. He continued in this area after graduation working for the US government in software development and architecture. In 2004, while employed, he also received an MS in Great Books from St. John’s College in Annapolis. He then returned to school full time, graduating with an MS in Religion and Development Economics from Harvard University in 2009. Shortly thereafter he joined Village Hope.

October 24th, 2009 | Tags: Jobs, Position, Sierra Leone | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Village Hope has hired its first country Director, Abi Jones

Abi has a strong background in international development, including an MSc in Development Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. She has worked on several projects for Volunteers Serving Overseas, serving most recently for a year in Mombasa, Kenya. She has also worked with NGOs in a variety of roles in the UK, East Malaysia, and Pakistan.  She arrived in Sierra Leone on October 4th, 2009, to work for Village Hope for at least one year.

October 14th, 2009 | Tags: Jobs, Position, Sierra Leone | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Village Hope, Inc., a recently-formed NGO working in 39 rural villages near Lunsar, Sierra Leone, seeks a Coordinator to work for 6-12 months in-country.

Our program includes building latrines, wells, and schools; a small microfinance program; matching grants for community projects; and several other activities. We have an office, vehicles, three other employees, and numerous advisors.

The Coordinator will expand the current activities, initiate a program of agricultural assistance, and help us explore ways to use the internet for training and economic development. In all activities, the goal will be developing an approach that can be widely used.

The Coordinator will accomplish much of the work by hiring and supervising local assistance not by personally doing the work. Extensive support, including periodic visits from our staff in the US, will be provided.

Funds for travel (one round trip), lodging, food, and a small amount for other expenses will be provided. Send a brief (<300 word) inquiry to vhopepositions@gmail.com; we will contact you if we wish additional information.

Announcement closes July 19.

July 12th, 2009 | Tags: Jobs, Position, Sierra Leone | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Jan 15, 2009: All but two of the crew for this year have arrived including two students from the U of Illinois, who are working on small-scale irrigation, and 7 students from MIT who are working on a variety of projects. Trevor Howard, an engineer who works for Forsgren in Boise is also here, working with Susan on drilling wells. They have about finishing drilling the first well, and have made arrangements to get assistance on finishing it off. So far, the method looks good (and much cheaper than the usual approach).

The rest of us have been making loans to the villages (launching our microfinance program), building walls using the rammed earth approach, building latrines using inexpensive methods (and the local residents do all of the work except constructing the cement base), planning for the use of the tractor, and studying their school programs. We’ve had frustrating delays getting our containers cleared but we expect to receive them tomorrow after which the grand delivery of school supplies will begin. Susan has also built a library at the Catholic Mission using books that Victor Bangura helped us get. So, good progress so far; our only concern is that the time will run out too soon (I return home on Jan 28th).

Jon

January 15th, 2009 | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment