Water for Novo Destino

The World Water Day, celebrated on the 22nd March had as the theme for this year “Coping with Water Scarcity”.
Even if there are sufficient physical water resources in Sao Tome and Principe, the population face water scarcity as access to water is difficult and requires a great deal of effort in most of the country.

ADRA STP funded by Chevron Texaco JDZ, partnered with the community of Novo Destino, and through a massive participation of the community that leaded all components of the project, was able to bring clean water to the community through 2500 meters of pipes and two water tanks that collect water from a mountain set in the Rain Forest that surrounds the community.
The official opening of the water system was schedule for the World Water Day, and the occasion, which had large coverage from the media, was used to draw attention to the water problems felt in the country.
At the ceremony the leader of the community, Sr. Domingos, mentioned how crucial the long term partnership with ADRA has been and how important the involvement of the community as a leading part of the planning, management and implementation of the project was to the successful achievement of the objectives.
The ADRA country director, Emanuel Costa, mentioned the important role of the community and the very constructive partnership with the corporation ChevronTexaco JDZ, that maid possible the project. At the same occasion Emanuel Costa, announced the launching of two other components of the project in Novo Destino – Sanitation and the Health Post establishment. Those two new components were possible due to the involvement and committed work of the community.
Before inaugurating the Water system, Chevron Texaco director, Timothy Parsons, mentioned the importance of this water system in this community and the need the system has for maintenance so it may continue to serve the more than 250 persons living in this community.

To conclude the ceremony the community offered to all present a wonderful meal of cooked bananas and dry fish.
Other than the presence of all the members of the community at the inauguration, to highlight the participation of the Mayor of the District, the Water National Director, and national and international media (with coverage from TVS and RTP Africa).
The Integrated Project is also being implemented in the larger community of Monte Café and has several components: water, sanitation, health, education, roads, electricity, and agriculture and income generation. Each component is depending on the success of the previous and on the involvement of the community members.

Ending impunity for violence against women

The International Women’s Day, March 8th, was celebrated in a very particular way in Sao Tome and Principe. To express their concern to the issues raised and support to the United Nations theme for this year “Ending Impunity for Violence Against Women and Girls”, many women and men participated in several marches, that ocurred in every distrit of São Tome and Principe.
ADRA STP, an active member of the National Committee for the 8th March 2007 to 8th March 2008 activities, coordinated by the Minister of Labour Solidarity Woman and Family, participated in the coordination of the events, supported its logistics and produced/financed the printing of 10.000 leaflets with information advocating for the end of impunity for violence against women and girls
The women and girls of the Project Developping Women’s Competencies, decided to state their position for this commemoration and more than 100 participate in the march of the district of Cantagalo. Their organized presence was noted and made a difference, as the Cantagalo Mayor, Mr. Jorge Dias Correia” stated: “ADRA is a close partner of our District. We thank the good work ADRA is doing in our communities”.

The Project Developping women’s and girls competencies is implemented in two Districts, Cantagalo and Caué, where we work with more than 500 women and girls, divided in 14 Associations. They are trained in more than 15 Health Themes, learn about women’s rights and participation in a democratic society, gain small businesses management skills; and each association is supported with an Income Generating Activity. The project is financed by the Government of Finland and the Finish ADRA office