We walked up through the poor neighbourhood being careful not to slip on the muddy track and slimy rocks to pay a visit to the orphanage. The good news is that they finally have electricity and the children no longer need to go down to the garage of a supporter in order to study. The good news is a water hook-up. The good news is also that a Salt Spring NGO, Seeds 4 Malawi, has made a donation to OVC to establish a vegetable garden on five acres of land at the edge of Kigali.
But the bad news, and the reason for our visit, is that the orphanage is on a steep hillside and part of the hill came sliding down in heavy rains.
The dirt that tumbled down destroyed the latrines and wash station behind the main building.
Since that landslide, the orphanage has worked hard, little by little every day, to clear the site and make the yard useable again. Now it looks like this. The rocks aren't from the landslide but have been bought for a retaining wall for the hillside. Truckloads more will be needed.
But the temporary latrine, build to the side of the main building, is inadequate and there is nowhere to shower, except perhaps by bucket behind the latrine. This situation is ripe for health problems related to sanitation and hygiene. Here is the new latrine.
And here is the area behind the temporary latrine that will be the site for new toilets, as soon as funds can be found.
If you can help the children, please send an email to Maggie at ziegler.maggie@gmail.com and we'll send you the deposit information. Thank you so much for your past support and for considering helping again.
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