Megan's World of Opportunity

Villagers in Chitimbe, Thyolo district, maintaining their borehole

Friends, family, and colleagues –

I've been working with EWB's overseas team in Malawi for two years now, and this month I signed on to help lead our water team for another two years. I'm doing it because I believe EWB is one of the best organizations creating opportunity for rural Africans - people who have been my friends, colleagues and neighbours for two years now.

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'm also doing it because I believe our team can make a big difference to the number of people who have access to safe water in Malawi. As many as 35% of the water points in Malawi simply don’t work - with millions of dollars being invested in drilling new ones, this is just unacceptable. Without lasting access to clean water, thousands of families are needlessly trapped in a cycle of sickness and poverty.

Our team is mapping water points and monitoring their functionality across Malawi, to best understand why they break down. We're creating innovative tools so that district water officers can know what water points aren't working and repair them. We're testing new ways to prevent breakdowns and get repairs happening quickly. In 2010, our team will have 30 EWB volunteers improving 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. Our team 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.

Thank you!

Megan