Sydney's World of Opportunity

Washing clothes in S. India.... Washing clothes was not on the water-use priority list. When we had enough water left over from the day, it was a washing frenzy!!

Friends, family, and colleagues –

This year I am helping Engineers Without Borders build a World of Opportunity for rural Africans.

In communities across Zambia, Malawi, Ghana and Burkina Faso there are millions of hardworking and innovative people seeking the chance to improve their lives. Yet, all too often they are stuck - unable to move forward because they lack the same opportunities that you and I have here in Canada.

I support EWB’s work to foster these opportunities for rural Africans. I am especially motivated by EWB's approach to creating access to clean and safe water in rural communities.

As many as 35% of the water points in Malawi simply don’t work. Without lasting access to clean water, thousands of families are needlessly trapped in a cycle of sickness and poverty.

EWB is mapping water points and monitoring their functionality across Malawi, to best understand why they break down. The team of volunteers is creating innovative tools to better manage the flow of this critical information to help bring long-term access to clean water in Malawi’s most remote communities. In 2010, 30 EWB volunteers will improve the sustainability of Malawi’s wells, contributing to our overall goal of having 90% of water points working within five years.

This is why I am asking you to support EWB’s work this holiday season. I believe that EWB is a powerful vehicle for creating positive change. EWB is seeking to increase its impact – by doubling its volunteer capacity and flexibility to innovate. I know that they will use your donation effectively, and continue to make great things happen.

This holiday season please donate to my World of Opportunity campaign and support my passion and commitment to EWB. Together, we can help increase the opportunities for rural Africans to thrive.