Fountain of life

Dear friends

If water is the source of life, then a good well is its stapes. But for life to succeed, it needs more than just water. It needs a favorable overall constellation.

But because many things in Uganda are still a long way off, we at Kids of Africa at least invest in children. They are often the weakest among the poorest of the poor. Who else should stand up for values, dignity and a better future in Africa?

A parable

We recently hiked up the 5,300-metre-high Rwenzori mountain range with older protégés. Africa’s third highest mountain with its tropical rainforest is a good reason for nature lovers to visit Uganda. The high alpine region is sparsely populated and an unspoiled natural paradise.

After a few days, we came across a hermitage. Its inhabitant was busy drawing water from his self-made well. We struck up a conversation with him. Then one of our protégés asked him: “Why do you live such a lonely life?

The man thought for a moment, then asked them to look into his well. “What do you see down there?” he asked them. ‘I don’t see anything,’ they replied, shaking their heads. He looked at them, waited a little and replied: “Then look again. What do you see now?”

“I can only see myself in the water,” she replied, a little perplexed.

“Exactly,” the man explained. “When I drew the water earlier, it was choppy. That’s why you couldn’t see anything.

Now the water is calm and you can see yourself. That’s what stillness teaches you.”

When people thirst

Thirst is a bad thing. Fortunately, most people in the world have enough drinking water. But in Africa, including Uganda, there are some regions where water scarcity is increasing. That is bad. When children queue all day for a jerry can of water. When life doesn’t work out.

And in addition to the thirst for water, everyone also thirsts for love, recognition, comfort and security. Spiritual thirst and existential need are often connected. No wonder, two thirds of all psalms are laments. You can clearly sense their distress. For example in the 63rd Psalm: “God, my God, I seek you. My soul thirsts for you. My body pines for you like a dry, thirsty land without water.”

Let’s build a well for life

In the poorest regions of Uganda, a well or a cistern can create new life, opportunity and hope where previously there were vicious circles. If that were a return on investment, many would probably invest in wells.

But the reality is different. Most societies in Africa are being robbed by their own corrupt elites. Africa’s states do not primarily need foreign aid, but better governance. With it, jobs, socio-economic development, investment and opportunities would come of their own accord. Yes, Africa has a lot to offer the world. In the meantime, we are helping the poorest of the poor, the vulnerable children. Because we believe in them. With patience, love and experience, we are creating a new life for them, helping them to help themselves. And it works. Sustainably.

So let’s build a well! Because it is the source of life. So that our protégés can create a better Africa – for themselves and for the world.

With warm greetings and great gratitude

Always yours Burkhard Varnholt

Giving life with every drop:
our water projects in Uganda