District 5550’s Ripple Effect Program Distributes Water Filters in Guatemala
Posted by John Borst
on Nov 21, 2010
According to Josef Fischer, of the Rotary Club of Guatemala Norte, Ripple Effect - Guatemala has distributed 255 water filters and 220 more remain to be placed.
Gualan was hit very hard by Tropical Storm Agatha, which affected the water quality in the area. Many people were displaced due to flooding and landslides. The filters have been distributed to schools and to some families who were in desperate need of clean water. Some families signed for the filters with a finger print ID. Another 50 units where place by Hearts and Hands a Canadian Foundation working with the Rotary Club of Canmore AB and District 5550 in the schools of Uspantan. While other 25 units were placed in the rural schools supported by Westmont Bethel Association a Christian charity out of Arlington, VA.
Ten units were placed in the Joya Verde School. Gord & Deb LeMaistre were in Guatemala and participated the delivery of these filters in October. The filters are delivered with demonstrations to both teachers and students on their assembly, use and cleaning. The school principal must sign a contract promising to use the filters as intended.
The final 10 units were dispersed by Zona 18 of the OAS Inter-American Children's Institute to a day care & education center for street kids.