Harvesting natural rainwater to quench the world’s thirst
Life is no ‘brief candle’ to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations. — George Bernard Shaw
The simplest way to catch, store and deliver clean drinking water is through with a RainCatchrer. Along with impact partner, Raincatcher.org, HUB has installed raincatchers in schools in Africa and also supports efforts to dig water wells.
Unregulated irrigation along the shores of Lake Victoria in Africa has drastically lowered the availability of clean water. Women and children become critically ill through lack of water or usage of dirty water.
Notice of travels in Africa: I’ll be in Kenya for two weeks, from 2/14/07 to 2/28/07.
In Africa my work is to catch rain, elsewhere it is to light fires, to inspire people to help secure reliable sources of clean drinking water for everyone in need, especially children, who are most at risk to waterborne diseases. If you are moved to give a valentine to Kenya, there are three components needed for the successful completion of this project: Water Storage tanks $500-each; Katadyn water filters-$250 each and rain gutters-$250 per structure. We will set up as many RainCatchers as we receive funding for. To participate email jack@raincatcher.org and I’ll give directions for electronic funds transfer to Kentainers in Nairobi.
Remembering my last trip to Africa
I have never met a happier or more alive people. The ones who appear to have little have something we often lack — a sparkle, a smile, an openness, an ease, a faith, a way, all connected to some deeper well. To be there, to live there, in friendship, is like coming home. I went to Africa thinking I had something they needed. I returned with the knowledge that it is us who need Africa. My new pastime, therefore, is simply to encourage everyone I know and love, and the new friends I meet, to somehow get to Africa. It’s impossible to visit Africa and not be changed for the better. I will do what I can to help people have a safe and fulfilling journey to Africa, Africa will do the rest. Consider this the first installment of your invitation to Africa.
Average annual rainfall
March/April/May: Kenya/Tanzania/Uganda – long rain = 19 inches
Nov/Dec/Jan : Kenya/Tanzania/Uganda – short rain = 8 inches
Nov through March: Johannesburg/South Africa – rainy season = 17 inches
The East African equatorial highlands include Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, the three countries that surround Lake Victoria, headwaters of the Nile. This region enjoys two rainy seasons: the long rain is March/April/May; the short rain occurs in Nov/Dec/Jan.
Johannesburg’s rainy season is summer, from Nov to March.
Average rainfall:
Kenya: long rain – March-140mm…April-191mm…May-155mm
short rain – November-86mm…December-102mm
