All too often simply sending money to a developing country does not achieve the hoped-for result. In the project “Water for the Masaai” a carefully thought out formula ensures lasting results. In the past the Masaai received everything free. When there was a breakdown the generous benefactor could often no longer be found and the equipment became neglected.

Participation is not free of charge
The Masaai pay 25% of the diesel engines, pumps and pipes for the water transport. This makes them owners of the equipment and responsible for it. “Water for the Masaai” pays the remaining 75% and all costs of training, salaries for Amref and car costs. Then a training project is started up, followed by setting up a water management board and a bank account is opened. Most of the water management boards consist of ten members, six men and four women. Participation of women on the board is mandatory.

Training
The WMD and Amref Flying Doctors give a training course to a number of people from each village, to teach them how to maintain the equipment. The technical staff of Amref repairs breakdowns and take care of major maintenance. This group of technicians trains the Masaai to take over the project. At the start of the project the technical staff of Amref followed a course at WMD in the Netherlands.