Just Add Water!
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
Baobab HomeAfter 13 years we face our biggest challenge ever: safe, reliable water. Help us to #justaddwater!
$25,589
raised by 139 people
$75,000 goal
Only a few more hours!!!
Yesterday, we decided to extend the #JustAddWater campaign for 24 hours due to some exciting new developments happening in Bagamoyo. We're absolutely thrilled to announce the connection we've made with CSI Electrical, a wonderful company known for their quality, environmentally-friendly work in the East Africa region. Finding an on-the-ground partner to ensure that our water system is built safely, securely and sustainably is a HUGE step forward for our project. More importantly though, CSI is full of generous, kind-hearted people who have the same goals as we do: a better life for the children of Baobab. Clean, safe and reliable water is something we've dreamed of for years, and we're SO close to making that dream a reality.
There are only a few hours left in the crowdfunding campaign, so we need you NOW more than ever. Any amount you can spare, whether it's $5 or $500, is essential to our efforts and would make a world of difference to our work. At the end of the day, Baobab is a family - a big, crazy, happy, loving family. We're here to take care of each other. What we need... is to just add water. 💧
Can you imagine going through life without a safe, reliable water source? Each day would start with an uncertain search for water. Unfortunately, this is the very crisis we are in now. That’s why we’re asking you to help us create a sustainable water system.
The Baobab Home Story
For 13 years The Baobab Home & Steven Tito Academy have been serving the Bagamoyo, Tanzania community providing care for vulnerable orphans and a quality English-based education for up to 100 students per year.
We have always aimed to increase self-sufficiency and be more ecologically sustainable so that donations are invested in improving and expanding our orphanage, school and HIV/AIDS support programs.
Sustainable Practices:
- Farm: We grow and harvest fruits and vegetables to provide nutritious meals for the students and staff and connect the children to fresh whole foods.
- Livestock: A combination of chickens, goats and cows are sources of eggs, milk and protein.
- Biogas: A biogas oven and stove cook daily meals utilizing livestock byproducts for fuel!
- Solar: Our farm is 100% solar powered!
- Internet: High-speed service provided free of charge by Raha Broadband.
- Bathroom: Last year a modern facility was installed to ensure proper hygiene complete with a sophisticated drain design that allows waste to break down over time until it is safe to return to the environment.
- Composting Pilot: Currently there is a Black Soldier Fly pilot program underway wherein the larvae consume food waste bioconverting it into healthy feed for chickens!
But now we must address the most critical precious resource of all: a reliable and consistent supply of water. Today the Baobab Home is completely reliant on the local authority for water, which means in good times we have water 3-5 days/week but severe water outages often last weeks and even months. During these outages, expenses skyrocket to become our largest expenditure as we are forced to purchase water from vendors selling potentially unsanitary jerry cans.
The Solution: Just Add Water!
Clean, safe water for drinking and hygiene is essential for the orphans, students, and staff to survive and thrive especially in the hot Tanzanian climate. A consistent supply of water will also reduce expenses, irrigate our crops, and allow us to return our focus to what we do best: serving kids and our community.
We have partnered with experts from Engineers Without Borders-USA to ensure we implement a high capacity system including a well, solar pump, failover and backup storage. EWB-USA has agreed to send engineers to complete a thorough geotechnical analysis, water system design review and provide project oversight during implementation. Additionally, they will train local staff on how to maintain an accurate well log, perform routine preventive maintenance, troubleshoot and complete minor repairs.
Our fundraising target of $75,000 will fully fund the project including all equipment, fees to a local contractor to complete the work and a portion of EWB-USA’s volunteer travel and labor expenses.
Giving Levels
1. Thirst Quencher - $25 - $99: We'll add your name to the Project Donor Wall on The Baobab Home website and we invite you to enjoy unlimited glasses of water next time you visit Baobab!
2. Super Soaker - $100 - $999: Your name will be added to a commemorative plaque at the project site as well as added to the Project Donor Wall on The Baobab Home website, and you're invited to enjoy unlimited glasses of water next time you visit Baobab!
3. Water Diviner - $1,000+: You'll receive a personalized gift of gratitude from the children of Baobab; your name will be added to a commemorative plaque at project site as well as added to the Project Donor Wall on The Baobab Home website! And of course, we invite you to enjoy unlimited glasses of water next time you visit Baobab!
Razoo specifically supports non-profit fundraising efforts providing donors multiple methods of payment, the option to cover fees and auto generates IRS compliant tax receipts. The Baobab Home is a registered 501(c)3 organization since 2004.