In July 2007, Dr. Garcia-Gray and a clean water team
collaborated with Rural Health Care Foundation, a grassroots
organization in Mubende, Uganda in the setting up of a McGuire
water purifier. During that time, collaborative efforts and creative
needs assessment of the Mubende community was done with RHCF
led by Dr. Dickson Ssenoga and Dr.Garcia-Gray.
Dr. Garcia-Gray observed:
“We visited his clinic in Kampala and it became even more clear that
though malaria, tuberculosis, pneumonia and AIDS were being
treated, people were still drinking contaminated water. We went to
see the waterholes in Mubende where women and children fetched
contaminated water in their jerry cans. The issue of the need for
women empowerment was addressed as well as the plight of the
orphaned children of AIDS.”
For 1 1/2 years, RCHF and Dr. Gray communicated and collaborated
on an ongoing basis to empower the grassroots to organize an
international conference to raise awareness and uplift the cause
of healthy and clean water for the world. Several friends and
family members dedicatedly and consistently communicated and
gave support and hope. Friendships were forged. The conference
was actualized with the incredible hard work of the staff of RHCF
and the Mubende community. Grassroots attended and province
leaders graced the conference. All addressing the issue of healthy
and safe water while cultural immersions facilitated for those
who attended.
The Louisville LIGHT team (Alex Molina, Heather Collins, Stacy Seitz,
and Will Roth- Will is from Aruba) visited an orphanage.
A McGuire water purifier was donated to one of the Lake Victoria
islands and another to RHCF. Baggages filled with medical supplies
from Supplies Over Seas were donated to RHCF. The team also
donated clothes, children’s books, and a documentary is in process
to share with the world about how we can serve those who are in
need in Uganda.
Empowerment of women was manifested by the enthusiastic
leadership of Liz Ssenoga, founder of AAWI (African Art Women’s
Initiative) who opened a grassroots Ugandan art hut gallery.
More than 75 women have joined her from various districts all
learning skills to make living to support their families.
Positive changes have happened in only 1 1/2 years. RHCF had received
funding for more shallow wells and spring wells. The children are
looking like they have gained weight compared to the previous visit.
more education is happening about safe water. RHCF has a dream
of helping Mubende be a model grassroots health care community who
will eventually and hopefully teach and share what they have learned to other
communities in Uganda and Africa. PGHF’s goal is to empower
them in their noble dream to serve those who suffer from the ravages
of poverty and illness towards the Light of health and sustainability.
