Hopeful Signs of Change

WATER─ Help us drill 100 wells per year.

Drilling a well in a rural area.

By providing clean drinking water we can help eradicate the Guinea worm disease* and other life-threatening diseases caused by contaminated water. We have already drilled 100 wells and would like to continue at the rate of 50−100 per year. As we teach and partner with villagers, they can use the wells for irrigation and maintain them for future generations. Our latest goal is to purchase a commercial drilling rig, which will also create jobs.

*Ghana is among the last 12 countries in the world yet to eradicate this disease.

HEALTHCARE─ Help us provide healthcare to every person in rural Ghana.

Young boys and their mothers wait outside the operating room for surgery.

Many of the severe challenges facing rural Ghana can be addressed through medical care.  In addition to reducing parasitic contamination and improving health standards, Building Solid Foundations is dedicated to providing medical and surgical care and equipment, as well as conducting studies and home visitations. This past year, our surgical team, made of four surgeons, performed 156 surgeries in 9 days. Our healthcare teams plan to travel once a year to the Central Region of Ghana to treat malaria, gynecological problems, thyroid diseases, tumors, hernias, burn scars, cleft and palate problems, and help alleviate the suffering from tuberculosis and AIDS.
Apam Catholic Hospital

Dr. Marsha Bornt and Dr. Ebenezer Amekah in Ghana.

EDUCATION─ Help us create opportunities for youth.

Eager school children are excited to receive simple supplies.

With the help of many partners and volunteers, we have already made an impact in this area. In the town of Apam, we have begun to create the first library for a school of 800, improved the school environment and provided much-needed supplies. We have also erected the area’s first playground, which provides the children with not only exercise but also social and physical development. Plans include the donation of desks and chairs and a supervised Internet café so that area youth can learn and gain valuable experience for their future work lives.

AGRICULTURE & ECONOMIC STIMULUS─ Help launch our experimental farm.

We hope to employ many workers at the new farm.

This year we planted Moringa tree seeds on an experimental basis. The moringa tree’s edible leaves and pods are rich in iron and potassium and have twice the calcium of milk and four times the vitamin A of carrots. They are also used to boost the immune system (useful for fighting AIDS) and helps prevent malnutrition, especially among infants, children and mothers. In 2008 we plan to plant 10 acres, which will also increase employment and boost economic development. We’re also meeting with local leaders to set up a cooperative for farmers and fishermen.

Many people work hard to make enough to feed their families.

ENVIRONMENTAL─ Help us keep things clean at a busy hospital.