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Wednesday, December 27, 2010 - The Water Experiment

By Amanda Wirtz

Ever since I was a child, I have been interested in novel investigations - approaching unanswered questions in creative ways. At a previous community meeting, the struggle to access water in a timely manner was heralded throughout the crowd as a major concern. With a tone of severity, members expressed that on average they walked up to 3 km (1.8 miles) to secure drinking water - carrying 20 liter (5.5 gallons) plastic containers weighing over 50 pounds each. To add insult to injury, water fetchers often wait 3-6 hours in long lines, affecting not only the overall productivity of an individual, but their family, and the community at large.

The research question was borne: how might the burden of retrieving water be reduced? I needed more data and the experience of retrieving water myself. Invigorated with the thrill of the research hunt, I fetched two empty plastic jeri cans, a pair of scissors, a watch, a plastic water bottle and a team of my VTT colleagues (Joanna, Geoff, and Shelly). At the pump, we were greeted by a line of empty jeri cans and a flock of villagers waiting under the shade of a nearby tree.

Operating a mechanical pump in the heat of the Ugandan summer is no small task. Children covered in sweat rotated turns as they pumped laboriously in the sun. I noticed that due to the size of the pump spout and the opening of the jeri can, there appeared to be significant water loss, which I postulated, was increasing the amount of time and energy expended in the water retrieving process. But how much? More specifically, how significant of an impact would a funnel make?

After slicing the bottom off of a plastic water bottle with Geoff's trauma sheers and placing the inverted bottle in the jeri can - the pumping (and experiment began)…. and yes, I did the pumping! Comparing number of pumps and time expended to fill the cans with and without the funnel - I discovered that there was a 55% reduction in number of pumps and a 27% reduction in time when the funnel was utilized! We were all astonished that such a trivial tool could effectively reduce the burden of retrieving water. But could the villagers access a funnel and if so - would they recognize the value in using it?

Several days later, our Kampala North Rotarian comrades joined us for a meeting and the data was discussed! The community needed their water concern addressed; with my findings, we agreed that we might be able to excite change by promoting the use of a funnel at the water borehole. Several days later, I presented an educational program for the community - and with the help of Joanna and Geoff - provoked conversation about health, sanitation, the burden (and costs) of their current water retrieval process.

When the experiment findings were presented, the villagers were more than excited! We enticed them into putting their knowledge into action - hands were eagerly raised and soon they were presenting skits to the group. The room roared with laughter; these Ugandans can act! Our village friends appeared to be interested and empowered to share their knowledge, as change agents, with their families and neighbors to act on behalf of the common good. Although we still see the occasional villager void of a funnel, we anticipate the trend of funnel use to increase as awareness is raised and our informed friends lead the way in demonstrating behavior change!

It was a huge victory on a number of levels - emphasizing the well known truth that even a small change can make a big difference.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010 - The Anniversary

On December 23rd, it was announced, however indirectly and with a humble discreetness, that Patrick and his wife of 38 years would be 'celebrating' their anniversary independently. This was, of course, due to the time intensive nature of our visit. Patrick and Francis not only opened their home - but also their hearts - as they truly manifest 'Service Above Self' on a daily basis. The sacrifice of ensuring our trip was maximized even at the expense of an anniversary celebration was thought provoking to say the least. With a sense of awe and appreciation we set out to commemorate the success of 38 years of partnership and love…. manifest not only in their relationship, but in their family, and their community at large.

With some creativity and assistance from Patrick's nephew (Fred) and several friends from Kampala North Rotary Club, we were able to manifest a cake! Being in a remote rural African village has its challenges - and finding celebratory deserts is one of them! Several days later, on December 29th - our cake was stealthily delivered! In complete surprise, Patrick and Francis were presented with a large chocolate cake which read 'Happy Anniversary Patrick and Francis' - emphasizing their sacrifice and joining in the recognition of their marital perseverance. The evening was capped off with laughter and stories of 38 years of togetherness… from two children who managed to navigate a small village existence without encountering each other to two college sweethearts who grew a family of 8 and continue to grow their community - their legacy lives on.

Here is a short video message from Patrick:

Friday, December 31, 2010 - New Years Eve

It may or may not be a good thing that the lighting is poor in our New Years Eve video :-) The evening started out rather tame - with few expectations of the seemingly calm evening. We were all rather exhausted from the day's activities; some evening hinted at the thought of retiring early. How should we spend our evening? Should we stay up until midnight? What activity should we participate in - cards, a game, simply conversation? In retrospect, we were rather pathetic. As the countdown began, with crickets in a choir of peaceful solitude, we each shared a vision we held personally for the year ahead. At the strike of midnight, we made our toast - to our individual hope and the gratitude we shared for our joint friendship that has grown out of our trip. We hummed "Auld Lang Syne" and, as we swayed side to side, imagined that our evening was coming to a close. Our Ugandan counterparts had other plans. Out of the silence grew the heartbeat of African drums - and the shadows of new friends danced in the moonlight. Intrigued with the rather sever juxtaposition of cultures on such a special evening, we were led to the scene of excitement. In a fast frenzy, we quickly joined the circle of dancers outside - led by syncopated drums and a spirit of wild abandon and celebration. From teens to the elderly - it was 'no holds barred'... the lion was unleashed.

Click here to listen to the chanting and drumming.