DIASPORAS HAVE GREATER CHANCES TO SHAPE THEIR HOMES; See This German Hero
We both know without paramount accessibility of clean water the lives of millions are at risk especially in times of dealing with Covid-19, this particular crisis has made us see, feel and experience the importance of water. One thing we should all be aware; Developments in our local communities can’t only be brought by our government(s), International Organization(s) and large firm (s) but we can also play our part individually. Off course we can’t just sit down and close the chapter to neglect what has been done by the ongoing governments in African countries in terms of introduction and improvement of WASH programs in our local communities, with very high confidence I can tell you indeed there is massive improvement.
On contrary, we cannot discuss deeply about this in a sustainable way if there is no 100% citizen engagement in the programs. Yes, we’re done showing off this is the perfect time to establish something super concrete and this gets very possible when the individuals in the communities are informed and involved in the early to later stages. According to UNICEF, Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is at the center of this ambitious new agenda-with a distinct sector goal (SDG 6) that envisions universal, sustainable and equitable access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene as well as the elimination of the open defecation by 2030. I would say in addressing this public health issue needs a public attention and ownership as well.
On the other hand, we can’t fix or maintain anything without knowing the magnitude of what we’re dealing with, A report from World Health Organization in 2019 found that “Worldwide, 1.9million deaths and 123 million Disability-adjusted life year could have been prevented in 2016 with adequate WASH. The WASH attributable disease burden amounts to 3.3% of global deaths and 4.6% of global DALYs. Among the children under5 years, WASH attributable deaths represent 13% of deaths and 12% of DALYs”. See now? A lot hasn’t has been happening and a lot hasn’t been done yet despite of our incredible efforts.
The population is increasing day by day and more developments are being done at the moment, off course that is what I and you were dreaming for. We really need more water than before, we need advanced technologies which are sustainable to accommodate the population. I understand that the attention to urban areas is so thick that we could cut it with a knife while the rural areas are stranded unless a budget is approved for them. The Installation, fixing and management of the WASH programs in urban cities are so practical, convenient and quicker as a flash but the other side appears to pass on a very long process.
For me development means citizens are informed and also included in the process, especially the special groups like youth, women and disable people in the rural areas. Its’ not a secret anymore that the special groups in urban areas are more informed and involved, they’re aware of so many things including the key public health drive WASH. The presence of reliable social infrastructure enables the citizens in the urban areas to be informed easily and included in the programs as well. On the other side of the coin enough clean water is still dream in the rural areas whereby children are exposed to unsafe water, affecting more the adolescent girls in their menstrual periods, increasing the Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and this doesn’t stop there women are required to walk a long distance to find water for domestic uses. In this case, the future of the boy and a girl child is hanging on the thin thread.
We have seen a lot of corporate companies donating water tanks and toilet facilities in schools, hospitals and other public areas as the corporate social responsibility (CSR); by ensuring they have a positive impact on society, the environment and the economy. There is untold story about the CSRs which I’m not committed to talk about in this particular article but what I can say Africa should not depend on CSRs not at all since they’re not sustainable and never they have been .
We also have this fashionable style of introducing and promoting the WASH projects; A large group of people visiting the communities donating water tanks with their gadgets on their hands taking selfies and posting them right away in their social medias with the hash tag #CharityWeekend. Seriously, should we also say that WASH projects are being improved?
I always believe there must a group of incredible individuals who’re committed to sketch their thoughts and finally breathe them into life. For me if a project is done by the people for people, I can proudly call it a community project otherwise we’re just perambulating. Even so, despite of the existing drama portrayed by many pretending to support the government(s) they’re some serious people, BIG TIME. As usual I had to hustle bring to you one of the best WASH programs practitioner. I know there is no super heroes in this world but I can declare Mr. Mulokozi and his team can be one of them.
In this particular article I have managed to interview the founder Jambo Bukoba Mr.Clemens Mulokozi. Mr. Mulokozi is the son of a Tanzanian father spent part of his childhood in the country, experiencing Tanzania’s poor perspectives firsthand. Jambo Bukoba is a charity in Germany. It has 417 members (2018). Since 2008 it uses sport and games to improve education, health and equal opportunity for children and adolescents in Tanzania, I can tell a lot is being changed under Jambo Bukoba’s umbrella. They’re not just doing it but they’re supporting the United Republic of Tanzania in a completely different angle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcBzDugV4qM
In this particular elevator pitch with Mr.Clemens Mulokozi, I had to be specific on what Jambo Bukoba has been doing to make their WASH project more sustainable.
What is the approach in making WASH programs more sustainable and successful in Bukoba?
Our overall approach for all our projects in Bukoba is for the involved parties, both schools, parents and governmental offices/administration, to contribute a specific percentage to each project. In doesn’t matter if this contribution occurs in terms of money, materials and/or labour. By engaging all parties instead of just “giving” them their new water tank, sanitary facilities or classroom, we create a form of involvement, a feeling of pride and responsibility. It is our way of accelerating to help the people help them and taking ownership for the project and its final product said Mr. Clemens Mulokozi- founder of Jambo Bukoba.
How to you merge partnerships in Jambo Bukoba?
Since starting with Jambo Bukoba, we have been very lucky to work with incredible partners and supporters, who were not only extremely generous but also really interested in our work and the communities we are supporting. We would never be able to name them all here -there have been many who we are extremely thankful for, form big foundations to small businesses, private donors and governmental offices. A lot of our partners and supporters have been working with on more than one project, becoming a reliable ally said Mr. Clemens Mulokozi- founder Jambo Bukoba.
For me the term the Sustainability means should be the pillar for any organization and makes it able and to continue for future generation. At the end of the day projects do phase out but the if the term sustainability was emphasized then the individuals will automatically live it. The reason I’m challenging diasporas because they’ve greater chances of changing things; They have seen many things and they’re in a good position to make partnerships. If Mr. Mulokozi and his team are doing it diligently, why not me and you?
I insist sustainability unless we’re just talking.
