Tuesday, May 15, 2012

EFFECTIVE TEACHINIG-LEARNING PROCESSES THROUGH ICT ENABLED INNOVATIVE METHODS

Computers for schools (cfsu) and RWECO through RIC-NET have successfully completed a four days training of English teachers in improving effective teaching-learning processes through ICT enabled innovative methods. The training that started on 7th - 10th May 2012 attracted secondary school teachers from Kabarole and Kasese Districts involving schools of St.Leo’s college, Kyebambe Girls Rutete S.S and St.Charles Voc SS, St.Thereza Girls’ and Kilembe SS respectively. Bwera teachers’ college from Kasese also was presented for the work of preparing teachers who provide a foundation for learners in secondary schools. The training was facilitated by Stella Nekesa, staff computers for schools [CFSU]. Lydia Kamba,staff computers for schools EPP project, John Silco ED RIC-NET ,in charge of general administration and implementation of the project and project spokesperson. Yosia Baluku,ICT officer RIC-NET and Charles Kaliba Outreach officer in charge of research and documentation.
The training was focusing on how to integrate the traditional methods of teaching English Language [chalk and talk] with use of ICT. [Focus on developing the skills of Teachers with ICT innovative methods of teaching that is expected to yield more results, at least 2 teachers of English from each selected School attended. The projects are being piloted in 6 schools and 2 teacher training colleges in Kasese and kabarole Districts. ICT based tools allows to create, store, display information in its form. Group discussions on the situation in schools as far as teaching English is concerned were conducted in the course of the training. Issues discussed were; problems faced in the teaching learning of English, methods of teaching English and how to handle the different abilities in class. A discussion on the 4 skills and how they’re applied in the teaching process [reading, speaking, listening and writing] were discussed whether they’re achieved at the end of the lesson? To be good teachers, it was discussed that one should possess the following; Exploratory, Assessment, competence, interactive and passion
The alternative approaches of teaching English language. Learning station method, Lexical approach, English circle method. Think-Pair share method. Grammar translations, Practice presentation and product, Phonic, Direct approach, Notional-functional approach. Task based learning, [from the traditional methods that have been used] ICT integration by using ICT tools which included [digital storytelling, teaching using pictures and cinema education]. Mr. John Silco took the participants through Cineduc [using movie and videos in education]. This is video education of about 15-30 min. the video can be stopped in between to allow discussion [stop video discussion]. The teacher may assign students certain characters in the video and allow each participant follow the video. The video can be used to test the 4 skills [listening, speaking, writing and reading].

Challenges that were raised as likely to affect the innovation were; Teachers may ignore the innovation after the training since it will be involving double preparation of the lesson. Teachers may fear challenges of students who may have a lot of skills in ICT than them. Ability to continue practicing may be hampered by scarcity of tools in schools. Attitude of teachers towards change.

CFSU Uganda also promised to offer Generators, Laptops, projectors, projector screens, speakers and also technical back up in case it is needed and also a continuous follow up and trainings at schools.
The training ended on 10th May 2012 and teachers appreciated this initiative. They designed work plans for individual schools on what is going to be done as soon as the schools open and promised to be cooperative whenever called upon.

Monday, May 14, 2012

ACT NOW OR NEVER !!!



 A team of 15 primary head teachers sitting on 20th April 2012 at Virina Gardens in Kasese Municipality  committed themselves to end the poor performance in the district. That was during a heated round table meeting  that was organised by Rwenzori Consortium for Civic Competence (RWECO) in partnership with Kasese district Local Government, department of Education. The chief guest at the function was the Kasese district Education Officer Mr. George Mainja, who in giving his remarks quoted the 3rd President of America  Thomas Jefferson  who said  “ in matters of principle stand like a rock but in matters of test swim with the current’’
 
 
Mr. George Mainja, DEO-Kasese launching the EPP
 project in Kasese on 20th April, 2012 at Virina Gardens,
Kasese Municipality. Recieiving the Education Act is the headteacher Mulongithi Primary school, Ms. Businge Mary Provia








The DEO reiterated the district commitment in improving English literacy in school. He noted that both the political and technical wing in the district had taken note of the concerns raised by RWECO in their concept paper that was presented to his office. He however, challenged the head teachers to take serious the efforts of the partners who come to work with them. The DEO was concerned about the use of English in co-curricular activities and that debate in most schools had slowly died out. He applauded RWECO for investing in documentation referring to the documentary of children’s debate during the International Women’s week events.
On their part, the 15 headteachers, after singing  the teachers anthem vowed to fight the poor performance in English  “ we shall do our best since the Non Governmental Organisation working in Kasese have also realised that Education is a key aspect of development, it was indeed our cry that one day we shall append our signatures to welcome these development partners. As a senior head teacher, i will dedicate my efforts towards improving communication skills in  Kasese at all levels” Mr. Pascal Kilolo, Head teacher, Katiri Primary School   
Leading the discussion on the possible causes of low illiteracy levels in the district, the Education Officer, Kasese Municipality Mr. Monday Bwambale summarised the causes as  in the following categories:
Knowledge gap , low  reading culture amongst the community (sic) parents , inadequacy practice of English language by the pupils and teachers  thus transferring the burden to the pupils, dependency on buying exams rather than teachers setting their own exams based on the curriculum, poor skills in  interpreting the English curriculum, lack  of creativity and innovation to improve on the teaching-learning process.
The head teachers immediately resolved  the following Action points
  • Separation of lower classes from upper classes during debate periods ;
  • Refresher courses for teachers of English that are school based;
  • Use of resource persons like retired teacher and coordinating centre tutors to compliment the already;
  • Competent,  experienced and skilled teachers to take up lower  classes;
  • Strengthen our debate clubs in schools through writing articles;
  • Effective supervision at school level;
  • Generating of good motions like on agriculture, gender issues , environment and HIV/AIDS related issues;
  • Mobilise and sensitise parents about reading materials at household level;
  • Peer to peer supervision by teachers and pupils;                                                                            
  • Strengthen English departmental meetings through availing local resources;
  • Spirit of ownership and shared responsibility for which a schedule of PTA meetings was agreed upon  whereby headteachers shall rotate and attend meetings of neighbouring schools to give a voice of solidarity as espoused in the Teachers Anthem;
  • Need for citizen education watch was given greater importance.          
By Patrick  Bwambale -EPP FOCAL  PERSON [RWECO]
and   Margret Kidima  (GHFRD)-20th April 2012



Friday, May 11, 2012

What it takes to pass Propoor Council resolutions



Friday 4th May, shall remain a land mark in the Kasese District Council sitting at which 66.6% of the nominations made by the district chairman were women. Lt.Col. Mawa Muhindo (Rtd) stood to present a motion to fill the District Executive Committee positions. The Chairman filled the District Executive Committee position with Hon. Tadeo Muhindo, Hon. Pelucy  Kabagenyi and Mrs. Anna Muhindo as member of the District Service Commission.

The house was full to capacity during the district council session held at Rukoki, members of the civil society organizations were invited to attend but as usual  they kept in the gallery watching how the honorable councilors presented and discussed motions to determine the future of Kasese district. It was joy and ululations when the Chairperson mentioned the name of Hon. Pelucy Kabagenyi, I observed almost all the women in the council stood up in recognition of the ‘unsung heroin’ being nominated  as a member of the DEC. What does it take for RWECO to attend the district council session: witness whether the resolutions made were pro-poor and if they would drive the district to implement the citizens manifesto.

Does the number of women matter or representation? I will zero on Hon. Pelucy Kabagenyi (PWDs), given her position in society and the long stand she has had on speaking for the people with disabilities, gave hope that indeed sections of the citizen’s manifesto were catered for during the council deliberations. I also witnessed  two other motions that were moved in the house. One on land and landlessness  in Kitsamba sub county, and the threat posed by Kilembe Mines Limited to the people of Kasese. While responding to the landlessness debate in Kasese, the District Resident Commissioner Capt. James Mwesige reminded the honorable councilors to sensitize the community about the value of land, the RDC scoffed at the  people who were resettled in Bigando but over 80% had sold off the land. It was thus resolved that a working committee  be constituted to look at land cases in Kasese, the threats posed by Kilembe Mines and a report presented to the next council.

I was partly concerned by the RDC’s revelation that over 80% citizens who were resettled in Bigando had sold off their land? what does it take for the leaders to be mindful while debating on such matters. Kasese district is predominantly an agricultural hub without proper guidance of the council, land conflicts has a long  history of  in the district: ‘we have lost  lives and property, I beg this house to take immediate action on the absent landlords  evicting the citizens in Kitsambwa Sub county’ Hon. Asimwe Mbakania moved. As a concerned citizens it’s a pity that the poor or the underprivileged are loosing land. One of the top ten concerns in the Rwenzori region is declining  fortunes of Agriculture- but where is the problem. It lies within the institutions that are supposed to mobilize the people and guide them to make proper use of the available resources. The Kasese district Council should rather make a bye-law to stop all those people who were resettled from selling any piece of land in those gazetted  areas.

My next concern was the participation of women during the council deliberations. For the four motions that I witnessed being moved, all the movers were ‘men’ where were the ‘women’, stumping, seconding the motions or murmuring! Save for one Hon. Naume who stood on the floor of council  to deliberate on several  motions . I was perplexed by the positions that women took in the council hall.  What exactly happened? The deliberations were in English and what does the law say.. I am not sure, but an honorable councilor may deliberate in a language he/she feels would  express him/her self better. That did not happen in Kasese district council session of 4th May, 2012. I believe if the speaker had guided the house on the use of the Queen’s language many more women would have participated in the discussions. Look  the  Secretary for Finance Hon. Matayo Bwambale laid on table the budget estimates for the F/Y 2012/13 of about UGX 36.6BN, but it took  him courage to withstand the Queen's language.

Therefore, the call for a national language as demanded by the CM is gaining momentum in the Rwenzori region and the rest of the regions in Uganda.

I believe, the Citizen’s manifesto has a message that should be taken by the honorable councilors and the Members of Parliament as Uganda prepares to celebrate 50 years of independence. As citizens lets fully participate in the planning of our resources at all levels right from Local Council one through to LCV to Parliament.

Watch this space!!!!!

Jimmy Baluku Odyek
Ag. Coordinator RWECO

Friday, April 20, 2012

The Citizens' Manifesto Takes off in Kamwenge.

It all started during the 2010/2011 Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government election campaigns when the concerned citizens of Uganda decided to break the jinx of leaders presenting to them their ‘Manifestos’ this time around it was the citizen’s presenting a manifesto to the aspiring candidates. Indeed that did go well to some candidates who did not make it to their desired positions. It came true in Kamwenge district as the LC V chairperson recalled how some leaders were made to account for their time while in positions of leadership “ somebody I will not mention was made to account for his time while we were campaigning in Kahunge sub county, Kamwenge District during the last election”

In Kamwenge it was not business as usual while each of the leaders castigated the corrupt leaders who do not mind the needs of the people. “why do you preach to the people of Kamwenge anti-corruption while your MP from Kasese stood in court and accepted to have misused the Constituency Development Fund” Deputy RDC-Kamwenge asked the Director of KALI. The Deputy RDC was responding to the Top Ten CM national Priorities during the leaders training workshop in Kamwenge. The participants at the training realized that the CM agenda was a tool to help the leaders deliver on their manifestos as long as they involved the grassroots citizens in the planning and budgeting processes.

The leaders of Kamwenge who participated in the training were prepared to take on the CM agenda to the local lower governments. In the 09 action points that included: Taking the CM agenda to the citizens, Planting of Coffee as a cash crop, planting of Trees to avert the looming deforestation and developing a frame work of the Local governments to work with Civil Society Organization, the Deputy RDC Kamwenge, finally broke the silence when he said “ You arrange the Neighbourhood assemblies on Saturday (s) and invite me, I will be there to talk to the citizens, I know the citizens have issues on the Naads, UPE and USE but they don’t talk because you leaders to go them” that action was welcomed by all the participants and Kahunge subcounty shall host the very first peoples parliament in Kamwenge.
Its upon these actions that leaders shall realize the need to localize government flagship programs as opposed to the top-down planning that is on agenda in most lower local government because of the limited resources.
RWECO shall continue to support citizens driven action to bridge the gap between the elected leaders and the ‘bataka’. It was all smiles when the participants realized that the Citizen’s manifesto was facilitating them in their mobilization of the citizens on defining each ones role and place of action. That was after one of the participants Hon. Justine from Kicheche had asked why the Local Government Staff continue to call councilor unskilled and not technical on matters of project work.
The CEWIT Coordinator Mr. James Mwirima, gave the participants hope that they were the employers of the LG staff and therefore ought to give tasks to the technical staff and reminded the leaders of the LG Act (1997) which ably spells out the roles of the Councilors and the technical staff. He further reminded the house that before approving any budget, the technical staff should give the small details before hand otherwise if they approved a budget, that was money approved and shall be spent.
Kamwenge leaders were informed by the LCV Chairperson Mr. Kamashamba that the district had identified coffee to be promoted as a cash crop in the district and challenged the leaders to be the role models, “ while making my field trips, I will begin by visiting homes of the leaders of that particular sub county that would ensure that my colleagues are not only talking the walk but walking the talk”

I therefore invite well-wishers to join RWECO, KALI, and RICNET on 24th May, 2012 at Kahunge Primary School to witness yet another peoples parliament that shall be graced by the RDC-Kamwenge.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Launch of the second E-Society Resource center in the Rwenzori region

Kabarole District Local Government in partnership with RWECO/RIC-NET have launched yet the second E-society center in the Rwenzori region at Kabarole District Local Government headquarters.

The function held at Tooro club yesterday was witnessed by the Local Government technical staff from Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Kamwenge and Bundibugyo Districts, political leaders of the Kabarole District led by the Chairperson LC5 who was also the Guest of honour for this function, representatives from the media houses and representation of the Civil society.
A number of activities were carried out including the speeches from different stake holders.

The District information officer Kabarole Ms Lillian Nkwenge introduced the whole concept of the E-society center to the invited guests’ right from inception to the set up. She noted and recognized the efforts of RIC-NET for this noble cause right after the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) late last year (2011). She noted that the E-society was going to be one stop center at the District for information sharing, trainings and other related services.
In his opening remarks the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Kabarole Mr. Juma Nyende expressed his gratitude to RIC-NET as development partners thanking them for all the tireless efforts to see that this dream of the E-society has come to pass.

He noted that Kabarole as a district had started an idea to have a Local Area Network at the District which was already being implemented to avoid use of public internet café’s by their staff since they handle sensitive information. He also asked the District staff to fully utilize the center. He noted that the District website online was to be continuously updated and edited and that therefore all staff should comply whenever approached for information.

The chief Administrative Officer also informed the guests of the commitment they (District) had shown by offering space that houses the E-society center, some staff and other logistics.
In her speech the Program Manager RIC-NET who represented the Executive Director thanked all members for having honored the invitation to come and attend this important function. She explained how RIC-NET a member organization of RWECO came into partnership with Kabarole District Local Government and later the setup of the center. She also said that this ICT hub was among other services going to facilitate information sharing for a poverty free society, become one stop center for research now that Kabarole has two Universities and that it would serve as training center for internship students in some occasions. She also said that consultative and round table meetings had been held for Kyenjojo and Bundibugyo Districts for the establishment of the E-society centers and that an official visit had been done for Kamwenge.
She requested for their cooperation and concluded with the signing of the dedication document of the E-society center to the people of Kabarole. It was received and signed by CAO and District chairperson Kabarole on behalf of the people of Kabarole and later read to the guests by the RWECO coordinator Mr.Jimmy Odyek who later handed this document to the District Administration officially. The document also contained a detailed list of all equipment in the E-society resource center.

In his closing speech the District chairperson who was also the Guest of honor thanked RWECO through RIC-NET for all the efforts of having this center a reality at the District. He pledged that the District was going to continue supporting this center to see that it is sustainable and continuously runs and can also be used by the other leaders who may come after them.
He emphasized maximum utilization of the center and was happy by the 296 users who were reported to have used the center form November 2011 to date. He said that since this has officially been published more users of this center will come on board.
He later launched the kabarole website “ I therefore officially launch this website that is hosted at www.kabaroledistrict.go.ug “ he further opened the E-society resource center officially at the end of the function and departure was later after lunch.

Friday, February 24, 2012

FOUR HUNDRED CBOs/NGOs IN KABAROLE DISTRICT: How Valid and Relevant are they?

“We have four hundred CBO/NGOs in Kabarole District, but not all are compliant to the law and functional” remarked Mr. Tadeo Balisanga the Community Development Officer (CDO) Kabarole District.
Mr. Balisanga said this at the NGO evaluation meeting held on 22.02.12 at Mucwa. Opening the meeting Balisanga noted that his office is mandated to register, coordinate and monitor the operations of all CBO/NGOs in the District. He however apologized for the continued inconsistence in conducting NGO coordination meetings which he attributed to inadequate resources.

Mr. Balisanga informed the meeting that he had received a communication from NGO Board warning him of the increased NGO operations in the country which need to be closely monitored because some of these organizations are allegedly involved in criminal campaigns/work. Accordingly NGO Board had requested his office for an update of all the registered organizations in the District and what they do; and to this he had called for this evaluation meeting.
Explaining the purpose of the meeting, Mr. Balisanga said it is to get all the organizations in Kabarole together to share their work with the District because many NGOs are doing work that the Government is not aware of. The meeting was to also remind the different organizations to regularly update/renew their registration with the District every two years.

He added that all organizations are expected to share their reports, budgets, and work plans with the District, asserting that “if Government can display their work plans and budgets why not Civil Society, I challenge you to walk the talk”

Responding to the CDO’s communication, members raised a number of issues expressing their dissatisfaction over the relationship between the District leadership and their operations. Members noted that most times both District and sub county leaders shun away from CBO/NGO meetings whenever called upon especially those that are not financially or adequately facilitated. This they said has created a big gap between the two parties and has left either suspicious of the other.

Lack of routine monitoring of CBOs/NGOs by the District leadership was also raised by the members saying this is the reason why Government has continuously undermined the contribution of CSOs in society and also gets them framing CSOs as anti-Government agents.
Commenting on the unrecognized contribution CSOs were making in Society one Mr. Mihanji of Parents Concern revealed that his Organization had built eight permanent houses for widows in Fort portal Municipality alone costing over 180million but it is unfortunate that the District/Municipality is not even aware and appreciative of this. He appealed for a closer collaboration between Government and CSOs.

In addition to this, the meeting also appreciated the fact that many organizations are not familiar with the NGO policy and requirements and at this it was recommended that the office of the CDO should get this policy distributed to the CBOs/NGOs in the District.
Summing up the discussion, several other recommendations/appeals were made by the members. These included;
1. Government to revamp her monitoring system of NGOs, challenging that why has Government always complained of Briefcase organizations yet they have never exposed or closed up any especially in Kabarole District.
2. The District to call for bi-annual coordination meetings of all CBOs/NGOs in the District.
3. The CDO’s office to mobilize/fundraise monies to conduct the coordination meetings from the different organizations in the District incase his office is not in position to facilitate them.
4. CDO’s at the sub county level should be tasked to also conduct similar meetings and monitoring visits of the CBOs/NGOs in their sub counties.
5. The District should consider extending the funds allocated for capacity building to CBOs and NGOs as well.
6. RIC-NET to support the CDO in mobilizing other organizations for coordination meetings through its bulk Sms program.
7. CBOs/NGOs to routinely share their work plans, budgets and reports with the District and the CDO is to develop a particular reporting and work plan format and share it with all organizations for uniformity.
8. All the CBOs that did not come along with their certificates of registration, work plans, budgets and reports should ensure that they are availed to the office of the CDO by end of February 2012.

Closing the meeting the RDC, Kabarole District thanked the office of the CDO for conducting such a meeting and especially for inviting him to this meeting which he said is the first of its kind that he has attended in the Rwenzori region. He thanked all the members for the great work that their organizations are doing in their different fields of work.

He said Government appreciates the role and contribution of CSOs and would never take it for granted. He apologized for the poor monitoring and collaboration and promised that he was going to ensure that this weakness is addressed.
He advised members to work towards making their organizations self sustaining with less reliability on donor funding because this will keep them in business after the donor funding ends.

He however warned that he was going to institute a committee to keenly study the operations and visibility of all the organizations in the District and he will make sure that at least by the end of this year the number has been reduced to 300 only or less because many organizations are not functional any way while some are allegedly undermining Government efforts.

This meeting was attended by approximately 45 members from the different CBOs and NGOs in Kabarole District.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

The vice of corruption exists but it’s not political

“Some leaders have not yet conceptualized the reason why they are in leadership, and this is one of the biggest challenges and obstacles to development, Good Governance and improved service delivery” asserted the Kasese District Speaker Hon. Zepher Mubingwa.
He noted thus while presenting a paper on the District Position on Effective Service Delivery and Participation of the Citizenry in Governance of resources at the District Leaders Meeting organized by GoodHope Foundation and RWECO Coordinating Unit on 01.02.12 at Kasese SSD Hall.
Hon. Zepher Mubingwa was one of the six (6) leaders who turned up for the leaders meeting out of the invited and expected seventeen (17) leaders in the District. Hon. Geoffry Lubangula District Youth Councilor, Hon. Adongkara for Mayor, Vice Chairperson Karusandara Sub County, LCIII Chairman Nyakiyumbu Sub County, LCIII Chairman Bulembia Division and LCIII Chairman Maliba Sub County were the only leaders that turned up for the meeting.

Frustrating as it unveiled, the meeting nevertheless proceeded with some leaders standing in to present for the absent leaders. The meeting whose purpose was to review the progress on the fulfillment of the regional issues in the Citizen’s Manifesto by leaders and to sensitize stakeholders on the concept of Citizen Manifesto and Neighborhood Assemblies still achieved its objectives at the end of the day, courtesy of the few leaders that turned up.

In his presentation, the District Speaker Hon. Zepher Mubingwa challenged the participants to tell him how many people in Kasese vote Candidates basing on their Manifestos; he together with the participants agreed that largely most decisions are not based on their (voters) knowledge of the candidates’ manifestos but rather personal sentimental attachments or bandwagon influence. He added that it’s unfortunate that many development programs and Candidates’ Manifestos are drafted by individuals without the in-put of those they intend to lead. He thanked RWECO/GoodHope for this Citizen Manifesto program which he noted will help in merging the two to shape the delivery of services to the people.

Explaining the position of the District/Government’s on Effective Service Delivery and Participation of the Citizenry in Governance of resources, the Honorable noted that Government is the sole provider of social services and its main task is the creation of a favorable environment for development. He revealed that Kasese District Local Government is committed to improving service delivery and ensuring a poverty free society by 2015.
He added that the District intends to achieve this through encouraging people’s participation in development programs and processes - bottom up planning; “this planning will enable government to capture the people’s needs” he remarked.
He hailed Government for the policy/law framework although he regretted to note that Uganda on the other hand has continuously failed to implement these good laws and policies. “There is still very limited will to enforce these laws; I think we are defeating ourselves” Mubingwa Lamented.
Among other challenges to improved service delivery the Honorable noted; irresponsible citizens and leaders. He said under the UPE program parents irresponsibly have convinced themselves that they have no role to play while some leaders have continued to take citizen’s concerns and Government programs for granted whereas others have embarked on mismanagement of public resources. Interestingly Hon. Mubingwa said that while corruption/mismanagement of public resources is being practiced by both NRM and Opposition, it has most often been associated with/tagged to one party-NRM; “ I with due respect acknowledge that the vice of corruption exists but it’s not political, and, thus should not be attached to NRM alone” he remarked. Inadequate resources and lack of specialized Human resource were also named among the challenges.
Summing up his presentation the District Speaker pledged Government support and cooperation to CSOs and RWECO in particular in all her programs and activities.

Other topics discussed during the meeting included the youth and unemployment: steps and programs by Government to make the youth engage in work and Women as Vanguards of development: has Parliament delivered on its promises. These sessions pointed out Government’s interventions in extending services to the two interest groups and also got the participants into debates on Government’s shortfalls in delivering services and what can be done to address these hiccups.

Bravo to all the leaders that turned up, without you we would not have realized the day’s objectives and also heard the vast information that you shared.

Still wondering what happens when leaders shun a leaders meeting?; it still goes on my dear, big ups are given to those leaders that turn up while the absentees are entered into the Voters black books till then……

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Voicing the Silence Campaign- be our companion

Voice the Silence and cry aloud against corruption and poor service delivery by our leaders and companies.

Save lives from the condemnation of invisible death.
"Rushwa ni Adui ya maendeleo" or "Corruption is an enemy to development"

Are you aware of this:

  • 1.1 billion people in developing countries have inadequate access to water.
  • 2.6 billion people lack basic sanitation.
  • 30,000 children die each day due to poverty, that's 210,000 a week, and almost 11 million per year.



And they “die quietly in some of the poorest villages on earth, far removed from the scrutiny and the conscience of the world. Being meek and weak in life makes these dying multitudes even more invisible in death.”


At any given time, half the people in developing nations are suffering
from health problems caused by water and sanitation deficits.



Source:
http://www.globalissues.org



Share this with a friend and talk with your leader to change this trend.