On 9 March, a team of eight of us travelled to Kenya to help one of the world's poorest communities to terrace their land and build a sand dam. This dam will enable them to get safe access to drinking water, without having to walk for hours a day to collect it, and help them to grow enough food to feed their families and provide income for basics like medicines and schooling. The dam cost around £8,000, with the labour provided by the local community (and us!).
It was truly amazing experience - a unique and inspiring insight into the lives of people who are determined to solve their own problems and build a better future for their children. We were given an incredible welcome, and the friendship and hospitality we encountered was, at times, overwhelming.
I have seen how your money is being spent, and it really is getting to the people who need it most. It is being used to help those people to help themselves, and not to give them handouts which won't solve their problems in the longer term.
We did this through the charity Excellent Development. I funded the costs of the trip myself (so it didn't cost the charity anything, and your donations will go straight to Excellent Development).
Thank you very much to everyone who has donated.
Simon
