We have forty years experience of living and working amongst the Maasai community in the Kajiado area of Kenya and will use this to work with local people developing solutions that will make clean water available to families in areas that need it most.
We went out to Kenya in 1980 for an initial contract of one year but soon settled into life in Kajiado, becoming so integrated into the culture that we spent the next forty years living and working between Kenya and Northern Ireland. Our three children Susie, Philip and Naomi grew up there and still see Kenya as their home. Our roles involved community development and we worked with many water provision projects in different areas across Kajiado.
In 2019 we decided to return home to Northern Ireland and now want to continue with the important work of helping bring sustainable water solutions to the same communities amongst whom we worked.
Our unique integration amongst the Kajiado people, local cultural understanding and extensive community development experience will enable WATER DROPS to best support local communities in establishing clean and safe water solutions for domestic use.
We have sensed God’s calling on our lives over all the years of service in Kenya and as we thought and prayed about our next move it became clear that we should continue to use the skills and gifts we developed to help people with access to that most basic of resources – clean water.
Unique Qualities
Cultural: Along with a deep understanding and awareness of cultural sensitivities, customs and traditions, we are well respected by local leaders and the communities where WATER DROPS will be working. We are also fluent in Swahili and can communicate at a much deeper level with local people and leaders.
Belief: Our work in Kajiado is carried out through the Anglican Church of Kenya – Christian witness and outreach is an important part of the work of WATER DROPS.
Core Values
Accountability: To be open and transparent with all resources while practising good stewardship in their use.
Effective Management: To ensure that the operation of WATER DROPS works to the highest standards of governance for effective implementation of all projects with the minimum of wastage.
Sustainability: Working towards ownership of the programmes so that both donors and recipients develop a sense of belonging – and therefore a responsibility – towards each other.