Peace Corps Volunteer Replaces Water Pumps in 23 Togolese Communities

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WASHINGTON, D.C., July 10, 2012 – Peace Corps volunteer Danielle Maisano of Macomb Township, Mich., is working with nearly 70 community members to replace broken water pumps in 23 Togolese villages. The new pumps will provide clean water to more than 20,000 villagers and help reduce illness and infant mortality rates. A portion of the funds for the project will be raised through the Peace Corps Partnership Program (PCPP), a program that helps support Peace Corps volunteer community projects worldwide.

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“Without proper access to clean water, community members often suffer from nutritional deficiencies and waterborne diseases,” said Maisano, who has been working in Togo as a health volunteer since June 2011. “For millions of people living in developing countries like Togo, these conditions are everyday realities that inhibit their ability to work, pursue an education or raise a family. Access to clean water is not only the basis of reducing poverty and illness; it is the foundation of a productive and fully functioning community.”

A local mechanic will oversee the pump replacement process, which will be completed by local community members. Maisano’s community has contributed 25 percent of the funds needed to complete the project, a requirement necessary to receive funding through the PCPP. This helps ensure community ownership and a greater chance of long-term sustainability.

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“Each of these communities understand that immeasurable amounts of time and resources are lost due to illnesses and other problems resulting from a lack of access to clean water,” continued Maisano, a graduate of Wayne State University. “They understand the magnitude of the impact this project can have.”

One hundred percent of each tax-deductible PCPP donation goes toward a development project. Those interested in supporting Maisano’s project in Togo can visit: www.peacecorps.gov/donate. Maisano’s project number is 693-398.

About Peace Corps/Togo: More than 2,680 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Togo since the program was established in 1962. Currently, 118 volunteers serve in Togo. Volunteers work in the areas of education, environment, health, business, and information technology. Volunteers are trained and work in the following languages: Adja, Bassar, Ewe/Watchi, French, Gourma, Haoussa, Ifè (Ana), Kabiyé, Kotokoli, Mina, and Tchokossi (Anoufo).

About the Peace Corps: Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps by executive order on March 1, 1961, more than 200,000 Americans have served in 139 host countries. Today, 9,095 volunteers are working with local communities in 75 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment and the agency’s mission is to promote world peace and friendship and a better understanding between Americans and people of other countries. Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more information.