Malawi is a drought affected country in Southern Africa. A nation of 12 million, most people live in villages and survive through subsistence farming. Unfortunately, only 2% of Malawi’s arable land is irrigated. Suffering through its fourth major drought in a decade, Malawi is facing food shortages because of a lack of irrigation for crops, and a lack of clean drinking water. On top of everything else, Malaria, AIDS and HIV have killed millions, leaving villages full of orphans.
Watering Malawi is a non-profit organization whose purpose it is to raise financial support and awareness for drought relief through the construction of deep borehole wells and treadle pumps. Each well costs $6,000 to dig, and they are centrally located in villages to provide clean water for the largest number of people possible. Treadle pumps, which are also used, are human-powered pumps that lift water from about 23 feet deep or less and are used to irrigate gardens that feed entire villages. They cost a mere $200 each. One deep-bore well can provide irrigation for gardens that will feed and save thousands of people.
Here in Tampa, the students of Bayshore Baptist Church heard about the situation in Malawi and organized an event to raise funds and awareness. On May 2 from noon - midnight, Bayshore youth hosted “ROCK DROUGHT OUT OF THIS WORLD” a Rock-a-thon and a Star Wars Marathon.
Students will received donations for every hour they rocked in a rocking chair. 100% of the money raised through the rock-a-thon will go toward the construction of deep borehole wells and treadle pumps. Bayshore’s goal to raise enough money for at least one deep borehole well was met and exceeded.
