The Milgis Trust

‘Little’ Latakwen centre/town, in the middle of nowhere in dry Samburuland, pulled out all stops to take over ‘their’ water, and their nursery school!!… What a party! The Latakwen drinking water project, and the New Nursery school handing over ceremony WAS FANTASTIC!! In fact unbelievable… The enthusiasm was just great… I think the leaders of Latakwen proclaimed a Holiday in aid of having water piped to the little centre, and to the Clinic, and school, and to finally have a nice nursery School!! The community donated 6 goats, rice, sugar for the party! The women were all dressed up to the nines, all the school children all looked amazing, the singing and dancing was just unbelievable… They are so so so grateful, from the bottom of their hearts!! Thank you VOSS and Thank you TOTO TRUST!

The Elders started the day by gathering at the well, and blessed it and the solar panels… Then we all walked along the pipe line, to the Large 10,000 litre tank above Latakwen centre…

All the paintings by Nderitu…

As our contingency of Elders and visitors wondered down to wards the centres main street, we could see the incredible colours, all popping out of their little shops and homes, rushing off to wards the Kiosk [ the water outlet] to greet us as we walked down from the tank!! The atmosphere was electric, we just could not believe our eyes!! Moses Lesoloyia, Milgis Trust manager, gave a little speech, explaining why VOSS [A stylish bottled water company from Norway] had decided to help the people of Latakwen with drinking water… During the singing and dancing, around the Kiosk , our guests from the US, a photographer and a rep. from VOSS, were given traditional Samburu presents, a beaded head band and a beautiful wrap, embroidered with beads with a clear message… ‘If we look after our wildlife, we will reap the benefit’s!!..

Another message…… Conserve your environment get more water!

The Kiosk where the people in the centre collect water…

All the Women dressed up beautifully.. And ’sounds of happiness and gratitude poured out’

Women of Latakwen… Singing songs of Thanks, to VOSS.. Its now become a word and it means ‘drinking water’! Ever since this little centre started in the seventies, they have been drinking brackish water, which makes your tea curdle!..

In the next blog I will continue with the rest of the day… As we proceeded on to the schools, and to the children’s shows of gratitude!!