1. What is the criteria for selecting a well site?
The criteria for each site is based on responses to a detailed application process. It includes the amount of people served, what type of well that can be installed in the area and the willingness of the community to sustain the well long term. The community will be asked to donate a small and affordable amount towards the well in addition to labor for its installation and maintenance. The reason we do this is to give the entire community a sense that this is their well and that they helped make it all happen. Community involvement and ownership are key to the long term success and maintenance of our program.
2. Who determines the sites?
We have partnered with Victory Outreach Ministries in Uganda. Their water committee meets with local drillers/construction companies to determine the best pricing. Using local labor is essential in helping create a healthy thriving economy. Once the locations and prices are determined, Away To Help board of directors makes the final decision based on the greatest need/amount of people affected.
3. What is our goal?
Showing Gods love and giving hope through providing desperately needed clean water to the people of Uganda. We also are committed to give people here, that have a heart for the hurting, a way to help. Knowing their money and efforts will go directly to the cause.
4. How do we know wells are installed and maintained?
Through our partnerships in Northern Uganda we are able to provide full accountability of each well installed. A water committee is established in each village to oversee the maintenance and functioning of each pump. In addition, well representatives perform post installation inspections and provide detailed reports on each site. Our Away to Help team routinely travels to Uganda and makes on-site inspections on a yearly basis.
5. Who is our Ugandan contact?
Pastor Johnson Ogema of Victory Outreach Ministries. A well respected Christian leader throughout Africa, Pastor Johnson's purpose and passion is to move those that have been devastated by war from a place of despair to self sufficiency by training pastors in the villages, training villagers on life skills and connecting our ministry to these areas to provide clean water.
6. Are there other ways to donate to Uganda?
Yes, though our focus is water wells, we also contribute to a local orphanage in Lira, Uganda.
The proceeds from our merchandise sales go to Otino-Waa orphanage for various needs for the children. We selected this particular orphanage for the amazing job they do bringing children in the area affected by the war from despair to becoming thriving members of the community. If you would like to designate your donation to the orphanage please contact us via the contact website page.
We also have other ministry opportunities to be involved in. Our recycle project is a great and easy way for schools, businesses and groups to raise funds for water wells.
See our project recycle page under the get involved tab for more information.
