Tchokmon Village Solar Well Project Launch: A Journey of Promise and Renewal
Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters,
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We are beyond excited to announce the successful completion of the Solar Well Project, which now provides the village of Tchokmon with access to clean water through a brand-new solar-powered well.
The roots of this project run deep, tracing back many years to the inspiring journey of Ngadesa Tchockman, one of the first African Americans of Balanta descent to confirm his ancestry through DNA testing. When Ngadesa visited Guinea-Bissau and the village of Tchokmon, he was welcomed with open arms, as though he were a long-lost family member returning home. Overcome with gratitude and joy, Ngadesa made a heartfelt promise to the elders and villagers: not only would other lost sons and daughters return, but they would also return with a mission to serve and uplift the community.
Fast forward to 2019—the year the Balanta Burassa History and Genealogy Society of America was established. Under their "Decade of Return" initiative, Afro-descendants began to return to Guinea-Bissau, fulfilling the vision that Ngadesa had prophesied. When the organization's leadership, led by President Siphiwe Balaka, asked the elders of Tchokmon what their greatest need was, the answer was clear: the village needed a well.
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This marked the beginning of our special partnership with the village of Tchokmon. Over the years, many have returned to reconnect with their roots, participate in naming ceremonies, and honor sacred traditions. Yet, the need for clean water remained at the forefront of our efforts.
In response to this need, plans were developed for the construction of a solar well. The project was continued by Roots in Guinea-Bissau, a non-profit organization, in collaboration with the UK-based charity WellFound. Together, we launched a comprehensive fundraising campaign, fueled by small donations and targeted efforts. By March of this year, we had raised the necessary funds to begin construction.
The scope of the project included:
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**Community Consultation:** Several meetings were held with the community to introduce the project and ensure full participation. Roles and responsibilities were defined, and potential challenges were identified.
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**Committee Formation:** Two vital committees were formed—the Community Management Committee and the Women's Market Garden Committee. These groups received extensive training in governance, financial management, and conflict resolution. They now play a key role in keeping the community engaged and moving forward.
**Micro-Saving Schemes: ** A micro-saving scheme was implemented to fund future well maintenance, and the women’s group initiated a savings plan to support a new market garden project.
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**Health Promotion: ** Seventeen health workshops were conducted to encourage the construction of household latrines, leading to every household in the village now having its own latrine.
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With these incredible efforts completed, the village of Tchokmon now enjoys 24/7 access to clean water. The women of the village are through their market garden which are now able to access fresh vegetables, improving nutrition and generating income for their families.
We are immensely grateful to all of you—our family, friends, supporters, and donors, both large and small—for making this vision a reality. Your contributions have fulfilled a promise made long ago and have brought joy and renewal to the people of Tchokmon.
Thank you for your unwavering support.
With gratitude and excitement,
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The Tchokmon Village Solar Well Project Team
