WATER PROJECT, JULY 2014
Our last team of the summer, First Chinese Baptist Church, arrived from San Francisco, CA. The eight volunteers traveled to a village north of Chiang Mai in Mae Ai, called Pha Taek. This was ITDP’s first involvement with this hill tribe community.
Pha Taek villagers had been requesting a water project for several years but had to make some major changes to make this achievable. The community had to relocate and build their homes several kilometers away from their original community to live closer to a water source.
This being said, the Lahu hill tribe people live a very primitive and simple lifestyle. Before FCBC’s visit, the villagers were used to walking several kilometers to access (contaminated) water for bathing and drinking. Additionally, the children who receive an education must stay outside of town (away from their families) during the week in order to attend the closest school.
During the two weeks stay, FCBC (alongside ITDP staff and community members) built an entire water system for the community! The villagers now have direct access to clean running water. A toilet was built for every family and a water spicket for every 3-4 families.
THANK YOU!
This particular village was located in a valley and was very hot which made the work extra challenging. The water project required many treks back and forth from the water source to the village. Accomplishing this project was tough but rewarding work because the results mean that villagers can step right outside their hut and have direct access to clean running water!
We cannot thank you enough FCBC volunteers for working so hard for 9 consecutive days. You have shown so much love and dedication to the people of the Pha Taek community.
Everything starts from water. God has been working through all of you and you have touched their lives forever by helping to plant the seed for many more wonderful things to come! We hope to see you again next year. God bless.
