Home Teams Calendar Our people Projects Support Contact

Akaeze: Construction, Clean Water and Eye Care

A team composed primarily of Ontario government employees went into the bush of Akaeze, Nigeria and in less than two weeks accomplished a great deal. A school for the children and an addition for teacher's offices was completed, and are run by our partner TETMI. A well borehole was drilled which will provide the first clean drinking water to the village. Outreach to the school children through crafts, sports and gift bags was done. A women's hygiene session (complete with dancing) provided a special sharing time for the women on the team with local women. Over 300 pairs of eyeglasses were prescribed. Hundreds of pounds of school supplies and hygiene items were distributed. The local government of Ebonyi state hosted an appreciation session for the team. None of us will forget the hospitality of the Igbo people, the shouts and dancing of the children greeting us each day.

"My mother and I mostly remember the people we met and how amazing they were as human beings, so kind, gentle and caring of others, and happy. If there one thing that shocked me it was that people with so little, living in such poor conditions, with essentially no access to the bare necessities of life seemed so much happier than anybody I know in our very own country." - Renee Lacoursiere, team member

 

 



The team in Igbo costume


School on arrival


Louise leading the craft outreach


School children performing for the team


Dave being welcomed by the local government chairman


Krista well drilling


Renee, Jeff & Suzanne prescribing eyeglasses


The school children in new soccer uniforms


Patsy & Randy constructing


Jodi, Karen & Shannon bathing a baby as part of the women's hygiene session


Gift bags for the school children


Derek cooking dinner for the team


Louise eating Nigerian garri


Dave & Linda's 42 anniversary 


Lori laying block


Isabelle & Renee with completed crafts 



Canada cake with Pastor David and local government officials


Completing the school roof