WILMINGTON — A group of dedicated students from Hoggard High School has spent the last semester building irrigation systems, a crucial tool that farmers in many parts of Africa rely on, but often can’t afford.
Hoggard High School’s Beta club has been volunteering at the Full Belly Project, learning to build the devices. According to Amanda Coulter, Full Belly’s executive director, many of the students had never tackled a project like this before.
“The dedication these students have shown this semester has been humbling. Some came into our workshop having never picked up a hammer, but they were committed to helping these farmers and communities an ocean away,” Coulter said.
A key mechanical piece of the irrigation system is the Rocket Water Pump, which are relatively simple, lightweight, and made from recycled material.
The human powered pump allows a person to pump water by shifting his or her weight from side to side; with relatively ease, a single farmer can draw water from 30 feet away, and push it out through irrigation hoses in a 200-foot radius.
According to Coulter, the pump can move five gallons a minute, enough to allow the irrigation of two acres of farmland. She called the pumps “life saving,” helping to ensure the survival of farmers.
A student-led organization focused on academics and community service, the Beta club have constructed three Rocket Water Pumps and are planning seven more. The only obstacle to getting the pumps to the farmers in Chipata, Zambia is the cost of shipping them.
To help fundraise, the Full Belly Project and the Beta Club are partnering with Swahili Coast, a fair-trade store which shares its proceeds to benefit several East African organizations.
Swahili Coast’s SIP + SHOP event, held on Friday, Dec. 8, will donate 20 percent of its proceeds to covering shipping costs for the Rocket Pumps. For more information, you can visit the Full Belly Project website. Swahili Coast is located in Dahnhardt Building of the Cotton Exchange on the Front Street level.
On the map: Swahili Coast
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