There is a phrase that people in Ghana use when referencing the way of life in their country, it's called "TIA".
TIA means "This Is Africa". This phrase is commonly used to express the fact that things move at a much slower pace; things can change at any moment (and often do); and to go with the flow because rarely do things go according to schedule.
When we started the Walk For Water it seemed simple enough;
TIA means "This Is Africa". This phrase is commonly used to express the fact that things move at a much slower pace; things can change at any moment (and often do); and to go with the flow because rarely do things go according to schedule.
When we started the Walk For Water it seemed simple enough;
1. Plan the walk-check.
2. Choose the people to provide the clean water well-check.
3. Find supporters-check.
4. Hold the walk-check.
5.Begin installing the well-TIA!
2. Choose the people to provide the clean water well-check.
3. Find supporters-check.
4. Hold the walk-check.
5.Begin installing the well-TIA!
The plan was to install a water well for an aquaponic system at Touch a Life (TAL) and then install another water well for a community right outside of the TAL Care Center.
Things were in motion during the Spring of 2014, but TIA!
While in the process of initializing the final plans a problem arose with a small existing well at the TAL Care Center.
This small well was their only source of water. You can only imagine the concern this was for everyone involved.
So after much discussion among our current board members and a few Touch a Life staff members, it was decided that using the money to fix the current issues for the kids was the priority. So the money that was intended to help finish paying for the aquaponic well went to fix the current water well.
In the meantime the TAL staff were gathering the final costs from the well company that they were currently using for the new community well.
Things were in motion during the Spring of 2014, but TIA!
While in the process of initializing the final plans a problem arose with a small existing well at the TAL Care Center.
This small well was their only source of water. You can only imagine the concern this was for everyone involved.
So after much discussion among our current board members and a few Touch a Life staff members, it was decided that using the money to fix the current issues for the kids was the priority. So the money that was intended to help finish paying for the aquaponic well went to fix the current water well.
In the meantime the TAL staff were gathering the final costs from the well company that they were currently using for the new community well.
The facility is a little remote, to say the least, so delivering all of the equipment to the Care Center and installing the second well took a little time. OK a lot of time...but the end result was beautiful. There was another group who added a little extra at the end to cover the rest of the cost which was above the original quote.
It re-affirmed to me that together we can accomplish great things.
When I saw it in person, I felt so proud to be a part of such an amazing group of people who have helped us a long the way to provide such a basic but vital need.
It re-affirmed to me that together we can accomplish great things.
When I saw it in person, I felt so proud to be a part of such an amazing group of people who have helped us a long the way to provide such a basic but vital need.
I never knew a water well could be so beautiful or bring such joy to my heart.
And can I just add that all of the staff and kids at the facility are AMAZING!
Now onto the action shots the kids wanted you to see!
And can I just add that all of the staff and kids at the facility are AMAZING!
Now onto the action shots the kids wanted you to see!
So THANK YOU to everyone who has donated and made this well possible!
It was because of you that the TAL Care Center was able to fix their existing well
and to help provide another for a nearby community.
It was because of you that the TAL Care Center was able to fix their existing well
and to help provide another for a nearby community.
*The aquapotic system is still in the works and plans continue to moving forward.
For more information about this amazing organization go to www.touchalifekids.org
Photos by NBarrettphotography