A WEST Devon charity set up ten years ago has reflected on its first decade of work to bring clean drinking water to villagers living in Africa. It was in August 1995 that Graham and Vivien England from Bratton Clovelly made their first visit to the Korogwe District in Tanzania, and in particular to the village of Kwasemangube. Vivien said: ?That snowy Christmas we were joined at Bratton Clovelly by one of the Korogwe doctors and in January 1996 were visited by another, Dr Ali Mzige. It had been his initial request that had encouraged us to become involved with Korogwe in the first place.? People from West Devon helped to find school books, sewing machines and typewriters and supported coffee mornings and other fundraising events. During the following years, Devon Aid Korogwe has become a registered charity, and a decision taken to concentrate entirely on the provision of clean water. Vivien said: ?We have supplied twelve villages with that very basic requirement for life that so many more fortunate people take so much for granted. ?In addition, we have installed a very necessary rainwater harvesting scheme at the Korogwe town dispensary.? Vivien said their aim was to educate local people to save rainwater: ?It has been an extremely dry time and rivers have dried, water-holes have dried and women have to walk even further for their daily supplies.? The charily attends local shows and events to spread news of its existence and recruit more supporters. Vivien said: ?As well as becoming better known in the UK we are also becoming better known in Tanzania! ?That means there are more and more villages hoping DAK will be able to help them out of their dire situations. ?So, as we look towards the next ten years there are endless fundraising events and funding applications to plan.? The Englands? most recent visit to Korogwe was last June, since then DAK has installed six wells in four villages, as well as the rain water harvesting system. Vivien said few of the projects would have been possible without the valuable help and support of trustees, past and present, and friends of DAK. She also took the opportunity to thank Okehampton and Hatherleigh Rotary Clubs for their wonderful support in the previous year. She said she was ?delighted? with the success of Devon Aid Korogwe as it hits its tenth anniversary. There will be no let up in the fundraising as the charity will be holding its ninth annual wine and wisdom evening in Bratton Clovelly Parish Hall on March 17. The charity is also hoping for a big night of musical entertainment at a fundraising evening at Buckland House on April 19. Roger and Christine Cleverdon will be performing some of Flanders and Swann?s compositions ? Roger worked with Donald Swann from 1971 to 1992 and both he and his wife studied at the Guildhall School of Music in London. You can find out more about the charity on http://www.water4korogwe.com">www.water4korogwe.com
