Acts for Water’s story began over 50 years ago now and the journey all these years since is nothing short of a miracle framed in perseverance and strength to walk alongside those in deep need. One thing has remained consistent through it all: the need for water. And it’s with that truth and this legacy that Acts for Water leans forward for 50 more.
Mr. Jim Wardroper went to visit Ethiopia and Yemen to see the promising work of the “Red Sea Mission Team.” A devastating illness called cholera, had spread throughout the community of Zeideyeh because of the dirty water being consumed. It was insisted that a water source be drilled to ensure the safety of the people.
The “Red Sea Desert Development Society” (R.S.D.D.) officially became an organization. They took on the project of creating a well for the community of Zeideyeh. Tragically, they were denied access to drill in Zeideyeh. As an alternative, the project was switched to provide clean water for the village of Thio.
Drilling in Theo looked promising, yet, at the last minute they were unable to continue.
Jim Wardroper undertook a field trip to Uganda where he saw the lack of mobility. To meet this need, the R.S.D.D. sent spare parts and 75 bikes to the community; the gift arrived about a year later.
Trips to Kenya and Sudan revealed a similar need for bicycles for the church in Sudan. 75 more bicycles and 20 vehicle tires were sent to aid them.
A major exodus of refugees leaving Uganda took place. The R.S.D.D. sent used clothing to Kenya and Sudan and in collaboration with “Food for the Hungry”, provisions were sent to feed the hungry. -A request was made for a water supply to be established in the Gabbra tribe.
A second load of clothing was sent to the refugees in Kenya and Sudan. Technical recommendations were offered to different areas of Kenya to create new water supplies. A team of Canadian water engineers flew to Kisumu to help fix water problems and a trip was made to Ethiopia to further help the Gabbra tribe and to advise on a water problem at Moyale hospital.
A third load of clothing was sent to the Ugandan refugees and a report was made to provide water services in the Kisumu area and the village of Saradidi. And another load of 50 bicycles plus a vehicle were sent to the Bunyoro-Kitara diocese in Uganda.
A request was made for storage facilities to be made in Sudad to help prevent starvation, caused by seasonal famines. The request also included large trucks to transport food and more bikes. Two sets of audio equipment were provided for Bunyoro and spare vehicle parts were provided for the communities there. Then a plan was created for a water pipeline to be installed in a town called Ibanda. Further planning and designing took place in Vancouver. And it was revealed that the state of Zaire was in need of desperate help.
120 bikes were sent to various communities around Africa along with a load of cement shipped to get a start on the Saradidi Rural Health Project.In Maasailand, the local people were given water catchment advice to collect water for cattle.
A reservoir project, in the Gabbra tribe, was successfully completed and adopted by World Concern. A plan was made to create a bridge, crossing the Kiyanja stream in the Ruwenzori district of Uganda. A Bedford truck, which was being driven to Africa, broke down in Sicily with a rescue operation organized with the assistance of Operation Mobilization.220 more bicycles were sent to various communities in Uganda. On top of that, a sectional grain storage bin was delivered to Sudan and pipes for the Ibanda water project were delivered.The construction of two posho mills for the diocese of North Kigezi were made.
The name “Africa Community Technical Service” was adopted at the Annual General Meeting. The Ibanda water supply project was completed.Funds were sent to provide a new vehicle and spare parts and another 14 bicycles were sent to the Diocese of East Ankole.
4 motorcycles were provided for the diocese of Nairobi, and over 100 bicycles were supplied for Tanzania.The UNHCR requested ACTS and the AEE to assist in the resettlement of the refugees. A visit was also made to Lodwar in Northern Kenya to provide food for the starving Turkana tribesmen and a resettlement plan was made for the society. A “Hydra Drill” was air freighted to Kenya to drill a well for the Turkana people in the Eldoret diocese.
Paul Carlson, a hard rock miner, volunteered to be ACTS’ first full time overseas worker. This enabled the start of drilling at Lodwar where a new type of pump system was implemented. A working agreement with the Life Ministry of Kenya was created.Bishop Yokana of Mityana visited Vancouver to communicate the need in Africa. ACTS sent a container with a tractor, used clothes, typewriters, sewing machines and other necessary equipment to Mityana. 120 bicycles were also sent there.
An application to join the “Canadian Council of Christian Charities” was sent. Don Stewart became office manager and Calvin Collins also joined to help with surveying and media. A trip was made to Zair and for each place they visited, 60 bicycles were ordered. In Mityana, a meeting was held with the clergy of the diocese to discuss ongoing plans.
9000 people served
10,986 people served
9,097 people served
10,000 people served
5,091 people served
4,633 people served
7,887 people served
4,400 people served
320 people served
5,600 people served
12,289 people served
8,800 people served
7,730 people served
1,200 people served
During this phase, our team began a process of dramatically improving our program outcomes through the introduction of a more holistic approach, focussing not just on the provision of clean water but also on the extended WASH training within communities.
Our program grows leaps and bounds!
