Myra's Wells

Providing Clean Water in West Africa

Registered Charity Number 1143345

100% of donations goes to well projects

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Hedley’s well drilled by Myra’s Wells is now providing clean water to six villages in Burkina Faso

15th April 2017 by mark

Hedley’s well drilled by Myra’s Wells is now providing clean water to six villages in Burkina Faso

Thanks to cooperation between people of the Fulani and Mossi tribes, Hedley’s well, drilled by Myra’s Wells, is now providing clean water to six villages in Burkina Faso. The village elders agreed a spot which is about equidistant from all six villages. It is still one mile to walk for water. But that is far better than the three miles it used to be! Following Eddie and Karen’s visit to Burkina Faso in January, this is an extract from Karen’s diary. (The whole diary diary will soon be available – if you would like a copy, please email info@myraswells.org for details.)

Arrival at the village of Laado Puel

Our welcome shamed me. How dare I think I was uncomfortable when I see the way of life of these villagers in Laado Puel who are so thrilled with their well. A welcome committee was in a shelter with half a dozen plastic chairs. We shook hands and sat with the village elders. Speeches saying thank you for the well ensued. We did not have an interpreter and Abdul, our trusty driver, stepped into the breach. Eddie’s French was no use in an unschooled village. Abdul’s English is improving by the day and he gave us a summary of what was said. I just smiled and nodded a lot to try to show I was pleased to be there.

Laado Puel well 1

The walk to the well

The walk to the well surprised me as it was a mile. The ground was relatively even and the fresh air after the car was just what we needed to recover. Abdul explained that this region was exceptionally dry and there was no well for miles so 6 villages got together to ask for a well, guided by Keith Smith a local missionary with over twenty years’ experience in Burkina Faso. A central point was agreed upon by all the villages so everyone has a walk, but one mile is better than three which was the previous situation for all the villagers. Representatives from all the villages were there, both Fulani and Mossi tribes, all working together, walking together and living in harmony. A lesson for the world to listen and take notice of. A mutual need met.

Walk to the well at Laado Puel

Thank you to the wells sponsor

The well was quite slow and the pumping took a lot of effort but when you are drawing up water from over eighty metres it is certain to be hard work. They hoped that if you put in an extra pipe it would make it easier so it was good to be able to arrange for that to be done. The water is clear and pure and that is the important thing. Eddie tried to explain how to fix the plaque to the wall of the well. This well is to be called ‘Hedley’s Well’. A member of St Mary’s Church, Longfleet, Poole paid for this well in memory of her parents, Mr and Mrs Hedley.

Hedley's Well plaque

The gratitude of the people of the village

The walk back to the village reminded me that would be the distance I would have to carry water if we lived there, quite a sobering thought. Some representatives of the other villages came to thank us for the well and explained how it would change their lives. Their words were all similar but all equally heartfelt. The remote area was home but there were many hardships, at least life would be better in one respect. We were presented with a sheep and some chickens, as they are all so poor we felt guilty accepting them but to refuse would cause offence.

Laad Puel well in use

And a reminder that 100% of donations received by Myra’s Wells is spent on providing clean water in Burkina Faso. Nothing is taken out for expenses – these are all covered by the trustees of the charity.

Filed Under: News

Donate with Stewardship You can also CLICK HERE to download a PDF form to make regular monthly donations. Please print out, fill in and send to us by post.

Children at Well

If you can help provide clean water in Burkina Faso, 100% of your gift will be used for well construction GUARANTEED.

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72 Oakhurst Road, West Moors, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 0DR, UK

Tel: 01202 892548

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Who are we?

Our charity provides life-saving water wells in Burkina Faso – one of the poorest countries in West Africa. A few places do have mains water, but even that supply lacks purity.
100% of donations received go to pay for wells. The Trustees in the UK and Burkina Faso receive no remuneration for their work. The salaries of the two administrative staff employed in Burkina Faso are paid by the UK Trustees, or using funds specifically donated for this purpose.

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How to Donate

You can also make donations or set up regular giving online via Stewardship, CAF, Virgin Giving.
For more information call Eddie or Karen on
01202 892548 or email us at info@myraswells.org
Myra’s Wells, 72 Oakhurst Road,
West Moors, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 0DR

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