The Water Committee in Kalma Camp that keeps the whole water system running does a great job. That’s why our team knew we could rely on the committee for another important task… The water points around Kalma run on-demand. When someone is done filling up their water jug or jerrican, the water turns off – so there isn’t a lot of wasted water. Nonetheless, with so many people using the water points, there’s always overflow and water puddles around most water sources. That gave our team an idea. “It’s always muddy,” said Yousif, who works on our water team. “Why don’t we plant some fruit trees here to soak up the water overflow.” It seemed like a great way to make use of a precious resource and provide a service to the community – fruit and shade at the water points. And when we heard that our budget was enough to plant several trees at each water point, it was a no-brainer. Our logistics team headed to a nursery where they bought two hundred mango trees and two hundred … [Read more...] about Making Every Drop Count
Archives for December 2019
Prepared for the Worst
Yesterday, our team in Kalma Camp sat down, broke bread and celebrated a job well done. Last year, they took on a cholera outbreak in the camp. Thanks to their swift action and tireless attention to patients and safeguarding the community, they were able to save lives and contain the crisis. Not about to rest on their laurels, the team wanted to make sure they’re ready if cholera returns. Our Diarrhea Treatment Center was Ground Zero for fighting the outbreak. But since it all ended, the center has been sitting dormant. It needs a couple of quick fixes to make sure that everything is ready to go should the need arise. Dr. Fadua pointed to some batteries in the corner of one of the clinic rooms. “These batteries are supposed to provide the electricity for the Diarrhea Treatment Center. But they’re all dead.” Our team had heard of a couple of recent cases of cholera outside the camp, so we all thought it was best to get prepared right away. We headed to the market straight … [Read more...] about Prepared for the Worst
Celebrating Successes
Last year, the team in Kalma Camp acted with a speed that saved lives. A few cases of cholera in the camp spread quickly. And soon they were dealing with a full-blown outbreak. The team quickly constructed a Diarrhea Treatment Center, and all cases were referred and transported to this new Center in Sector 1. Patients were quarantined in order to protect other patients and residents. Strict protocols were put in place to stop the further spread of the disease, and Alight moved medical staff from other parts of the world to Kalma to help contain the situation. The team worked late into the night and weekends caring for people suffering. And it all paid off. Thanks to their commitment, the outbreak was brought under control. Life and work moved on quickly, and the team never took the moment to really acknowledge what they had done and celebrate their amazing teamwork. So, we gave them a little help. Lunch on us, for the 100+ health workers at Alight’s three health … [Read more...] about Celebrating Successes
Keeping Things Flowing
When we saw the water system in Kalma Camp, we were really impressed. 9 solar panel installations provide the power that pumps water from deep underground directly to people at the dozens of water points around Kalma. There are even backup generators to ensure water is available on the rare overcast day. As a result, water is immediately available 24-7. And there aren’t lineups for water like you see in many other refugee camps and communities. But it doesn’t all happen magically. A group of residents comprise the water committee – they keep an eye on every element of the water system. Whenever anything breaks down or needs fixing, they get to work to get water flowing again. “Our water committee in Kalma is really fantastic. They take a lot of pride in their work [though they are all volunteers from the community], and they’re doing a very big service for their community,” said Abbas, Alight’s Senior Program Manager for South Darfur. “But, they don’t have a way to stay … [Read more...] about Keeping Things Flowing