In 2005, the Minnesota delegation experienced first hand the profound lack of water and the problems it created for the people of Kitui. According to Clement Muthusi, the diocese’s water program administrator at the time, the area had experienced drought conditions for six years. Rivers have dried up completely, with some residents digging 10 to 15 feet below riverbeds to find water. Women and children can walk up to six miles a day in temperatures over 100 degrees to find and bring water home that may be disease-ridden.

That’s why the Minnesota delegates and their Kenyan hosts identified water as one of the priority issues for the partnership. Participants have worked to promote the prudent use of water in Minnesota and Kenya and have worked together to identify a water project in Kitui that Minnesotans could help support.

The Integrated Food Security and Water Management project was identified as a joint venture for the partnership. The two partners prioritized improving food security through development of water facilities for multiple uses including food production by vulnerable communities.

As a means to bring awareness of the global issues around water and to financially support the Food Security and Water Management project, the delegation and Center for Mission office began the promotion of the H2O Project. Many of the parishes and schools within the archdiocese chose to participate in the H2O challenge. This opportunity for awareness can be experienced by individuals or by groups.

To find out more about the challenge, and global water issues check out www.theh2oproject.org >>