Maji Ni Uhai! Water Is Life!

A Promise Fulfilled

Three years ago I made a promise to the women of the Ongata/Rongai area where my Rafiki Patrick who I have written extensively about is from. I learned that they walk 6km (3.8 miles) everyday for water. I felt I needed to fix that but I wanted to not just come in and be a benefactor but instead to work with these women to solve this problem.

Patrick Olepapatiti, Alan Feldstein, and Carmen Myers of A Voice Is Heard, Celebrating a Success

Thus my wife, Diane and I started the Dog Collars For Africa Project. We decided to fund 100% of the material costs for the women to make Maasai Beaded Dog Collars as well as jewelry and then we would sell those products in the U.S. with 100% of the proceeds going to build a well for these wonderful, talented, amazing women. As you can see from our gallery – dog lovers supported us and from our efforts and your support we are about to make good on our commitment.

As you read this I have just completed a two week trip in Tanzania looking at lodges and then on to Kenya up to the Amboseli region. There I worked with A Voice Is Heard, a wonderful charitable group that Patrick is involved with to make our dream a reality by providing fresh clean water near the homes of these wonderful women and their community.

Over the next several weeks I will provide pictures and stories as it was a moving and memorable experience. A big Asante Sana to all of you who purchased collars and jewelry and supported this worthwhile project. Maji Ni Uhai! Water is Life!

And it does not end here. Though a well has been built we will still be supporting these women and their children through helping a school that Patrick has started. Stay tuned.