What We Do
Bukumbi Diary - December 2009
2nd December
With great anticipation Simba and I spent an hour watching the drill rig pound its way through the Bukumbi soil searching for water. It was fascinating to think that the drill depth had reached 60m below our feet. Despite an encouraging geophysical survey, although water was found it was not sufficient in quantity to support a submersible pump. We came away a little disheartened that the attempt was not successful. The second point recommended from the survey will be drilled at the beginning of December, once again we will wait to see if the water comes rushing out of the Bukumbi soil. (AW)
8th December
This week I just wanted to share with a story from our income generation project.
Eunice is a member of the very first Income Generation group at BCC, making necklaces and bracelets. She has also joined the newly established sewing group. Eunice is disabled and is confined to either a wheel chair or usually she is on her trike. Eunice has worked hard and from the small income she has made from selling her products she has been able to make great developments in her life andalso has good self esteem and self reliance.
Eunice has built a kitchen made from simple materials like branches, mud and a grass roof. 
She is using her income to buy items such as charcoal for cooking, instead of going to town to beg. She also is using the profit to help prepare the small farm she has so that she plant maize.
Eunice is a great example of how small scale income generation can give people independence and self worth. She is really proud of herself and her achievements and is looking forward to participating more in the sewing group. (FD)
10th December
Arriving at the centre today, the sewing group were ready and eager to start their second day of business training from the District Community Development worker. Reuben was teaching them about how to use profit, sharing amongst people in the group and ensuring that they keep some money in case anything needs repairs. Simple ideas but this
training will help the group become more successful. We also took out the two machines that Sister Anna has donated so the group next week can start practising their skills and have a few lessons.
The committee meetings have been taking place each week with the community attending regularly. At the last health committee, rubbish was identified as a problem because things rubbish was being left in rooms or outside. So today we deliver a Rubbish Bin for each of the blocks so now they can put the waste somewhere safe and help prevent germs spreading. The leaders were pleased to collect them.