Sitting on One Carpet with the People of Rajasthan

In September 2006 the Churches Together in and Around Faringdon adopted a water harvesting project in Rajasthan, which also involves a substantial 5-year financial commitment.

The effectiveness of the simple steps that can be taken to catch and protect precious water is absolutely amazing.

Before applying these measures, villagers may have got just a poor summer crop, but now they can expect a good summer crop and a winter crop as well. Water harvesting replenishes the ground water, and therefore the benefits continue throughout the year, even when all the surface water has gone.

Other benefits include the establishment of orchards and vegetable gardens, which will lead to better nutrition and health. The tribal peoples of this area suffer from lack of vitamins, so fresh vegetables are vital. This can also lead to income generation. The Umla tree for example provides citrus fruit which can be sold. The cost of planting one tree is 25 rupees (40p). After 4 years the crops from this tree can be sold for 500 rupees (£7.00) per year. This is a significant sum to a villager, and can mean the difference between a life of poverty and one with dignity and hope.

Our contacts in the UK are "Wells for India", and in September when we launched the project, a number of WfI staff came to Faringdon to the United Service, where we had a very informative presentation and display about the project .

That was nearly six months ago, and much has happened since then. Wells for India have kindly agreed to come to Faringdon on Sunday 11th March 2007 to give us an update on what’s happened.

Julia Seal from WfI will be joining us at the United Service – 6.30pm – Blessed Hugh – and hopefully you’ll be there as well. Julia has recently returned from Rajasthan and will share with us her enthusiasm for the wonderful work that we’re supporting, with slides and other presentation materials. Julia will give us a brief summary during the Service, and there will also be an opportunity for questions and further slides after the service and refreshments. Do try to come!

See www.wellsforindia.com for more information – or contact Sjoerd Vogt.