When we first visited Sierra Leone we were told that the cost to dig a well was $5000. But we knew that others in Africa and elsewhere are using simple methods to drill wells and that the much smaller hole was easier and cheaper to line.
So we investigated this approach, working with Wellspring Africa, Volunteers in Technical Assistance, and other groups. A drilled well, using the methods they recommend, should not cost more than $1500 and could be quite a bit less. So we are having a drilling rig built for us and expect to take it to Sierra Leone in December. We hope to complete three wells by early in 2009. Drilling them should give us a good idea of costs.
Raising the funds to drill a well is an excellent project for a school, church, or other organization. Gaining access to safe drinking water is one of the best improvements we can help the villagers make. As with all Village Hope projects, all funds raised will go solely to carrying out the project.
Please contact us if you would be interested in raising funds to drill a well.
Featured Project
Village Hope is helping poor, rural communities in Sierra Leone achieve their goals for education, health, and economic security.
We are working with 33 villages, six elementary schools, and about 4500 peopole near Lunsar in northern Sierra Leone. Six “communities” have been formed, each consisting of a school and the villages that send students to the school.
A full-time Village Hope employee, living in Lunsar, works with these communities. The community provides information about themselves and their goals. Village Hope staff provide information about ways to improve education, health, and economic security. Loans are then provided to the community to carry out commmunity development or personal, income-generating projects.
For more information, click one of the links at the top of the page.
Get involved immediately with your contribution!
We will not give your name or contact information to anyone outside Village Hope. All contributions are tax deductible. Click here for a copy of our IRS certification as a 501(c)(3) public charity.