The AJA Foundation has been partnering with Zambian-based non-profit, Makolekole Ltd. for two years, during which time we have provided over $200,000 in funding for more than 30 new boreholes to provide clean, safe water to thousands of people living in the rural regions of the Luangwa valley. Our most recent grants of $50,000 in October 2022 and $50,000 in March 2022 helped the organization meet its goal of drilling 40 boreholes this year. Over the next six years, Makolekole plans to drill 500 boreholes, laying the groundwork for the people they serve to improve their health, educational prospects, community resilience and more.
Makolekole works in partnership with communities to bring clean, safe water closer to home. By drilling simple, durable boreholes and ensuring people in the community are equipped to use and maintain them, they establish water sources that will be reliable for years to come. All work is done in partnership with local leaders who bring crucial knowledge of their communities’ needs to the conversation.
Capacity Building
Although Makolekole’s impact is huge, it operates on only $250,00 per year. Raising the funds to drill 40 boreholes each year has been an ongoing challenge for Makolekole co-founder, Christine “Gid” Huggins. A large portion of her work is spent on fundraising, primarily in Europe and Africa. We identified the lack of a 501c3 in the U.S. as the primary barrier to reaching thousands of new donors in this country. Therefore, in addition to providing financial support this year, we also provided the expertise and man-power to launch Makolekole USA, Inc. In the six months since the formation of the non-profit an additional $100,000 beyond the AJA Foundation funds have been raised in the U.S. in 2022. To learn more about Makolekole USA, please visit makolekole.org.
