Heartening Moments in Maphungwane by Melody Rockwell
Swaziland Safe Water Project -- sponsored by substantial grants from the Episcopal Church United Thank Offering Gift and Trust Fund and the Episcopal Waters of Hope with generous gifts from the Iowa Safe Water International Ministries and the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, parishes and individuals...
Today, as soon as the team disembarked from our van at Maphungwane, Archdeacon Josiah Mahlalela left in his truck and our driver Thokozani Makhubu drove off with our vehicle to bring more people to the meeting. Two more trips with packed vehicles amplified the circle with representatives from several communities in the area.
"Chlorinators have made a real difference in three of our communities," lay minister Bhekithemba Matsenjwa explained.
"We want others to learn about chlorination, too." Matsenjwa, an active social development leader in St. Peter and St. Paul Anglican Church in Maphungwane, told us how the Anglican church is the door through which the chlorinators have come. But, he made a special point that the project is for the all in the communities. He also told how using the chlorinators had brought the communities together to create safe drinking water.
I recognized this place where Dan and I had visited last October (2008) with the Iowa team. Again, we were seated under the ancient council trees and welcomed by the community leaders. But, there was a huge difference in Maphungwane. All three chlorinators received there (one in 2007 & two in 2008) were being used successfully by three separate communities.
One elder welcomed us with great thanks. He said, "Ever since you came, we have not buried a child." I gazed out at the beautiful babies in their mothers' arms and gave thanks in my heart that chlorination had made such a significant, tangible difference here.
The chlorinator demonstration by the Swazi team was well-received and three duos eagerly tried and succeeded at producing chlorine... including two of the elders who were present. It caused great excitement among those assembled that these dignitaries, who are treated as princes in their communities, were involved in the project, even to the point of making chlorine.
Rev. Peter Zunugu, the priest in charge of the Maphungwe area, noted with enthusiasm that the word has spread throughout the region about the importance of chlorination in this area; about its success in reducing illnesses, particularly among the children. Other communities that don't have the chlorinators now are asking for them. The team could see that they'd better get busy building chlorinators to keep up with the demand!
Today, as soon as the team disembarked from our van at Maphungwane, Archdeacon Josiah Mahlalela left in his truck and our driver Thokozani Makhubu drove off with our vehicle to bring more people to the meeting. Two more trips with packed vehicles amplified the circle with representatives from several communities in the area."Chlorinators have made a real difference in three of our communities," lay minister Bhekithemba Matsenjwa explained.
"We want others to learn about chlorination, too." Matsenjwa, an active social development leader in St. Peter and St. Paul Anglican Church in Maphungwane, told us how the Anglican church is the door through which the chlorinators have come. But, he made a special point that the project is for the all in the communities. He also told how using the chlorinators had brought the communities together to create safe drinking water.I recognized this place where Dan and I had visited last October (2008) with the Iowa team. Again, we were seated under the ancient council trees and welcomed by the community leaders. But, there was a huge difference in Maphungwane. All three chlorinators received there (one in 2007 & two in 2008) were being used successfully by three separate communities.
One elder welcomed us with great thanks. He said, "Ever since you came, we have not buried a child." I gazed out at the beautiful babies in their mothers' arms and gave thanks in my heart that chlorination had made such a significant, tangible difference here.
The chlorinator demonstration by the Swazi team was well-received and three duos eagerly tried and succeeded at producing chlorine... including two of the elders who were present. It caused great excitement among those assembled that these dignitaries, who are treated as princes in their communities, were involved in the project, even to the point of making chlorine.
Rev. Peter Zunugu, the priest in charge of the Maphungwe area, noted with enthusiasm that the word has spread throughout the region about the importance of chlorination in this area; about its success in reducing illnesses, particularly among the children. Other communities that don't have the chlorinators now are asking for them. The team could see that they'd better get busy building chlorinators to keep up with the demand!
posted by Mission Team ~ Iowa at
11:10 AM
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