Kizungu


Gavin at Kizungu checking on Grandpa's project

As many of you know Kizungu Village is where the stove team decided to concentrate their efforts both in building the stoves and training the local population in how to use and maintain them.  The primary purpose of our trip was to check on progress here in Kizungu.  We are happy to report things are going very well.  When we were here last year there were 30 stoves installed, now that number is up to 61 with parts and supplies available in Sumbawanga to build 60 more.  The stove team has also started using local youth in Kizungu to help with the installs and to be available to the villagers for stove questions or maintenance.  This has been a big improvement as the stove team only visits about once a month so having the local craftsman has dramtically improved the stove performance.  Last year when we toured the homes the families had a lot of questions; this year there were very few as the technology is now well understood in Kizunugu.  The stoves we saw were all in exceptionally good order, including one of the original stoves, installed almost three years ago.

We kept our visit brief this year.  We saw all the latest stoves, including ones adapted for varying pot sizes thanks to a quick sketch from my dad on his visit last year; and we spent some time catching up with the village chief and his wife.  Susi impressed everyone with the fire-starters she made, following the lead of Mike and his girls who found this idea on You-Tube, Susi made thousands of them in our kitchen back home.  They were a big hit and Susi is scheduled to teach a class to the Parish women's group on Saturday on how to make them using local materials.

We also distributed 75 of the Luci Lights.  I can not say enough about that product, everyone instantly gets what it is and what it could mean for them.  They are VERY popular.  So much so that Father Pontiano & Gabriel asked that we not give anymore out as they are causing some jealousy.  Instead we are giving all that we brought (over 600) to Father.  He intends to bring all of his catechists together and use that network as a way to distribute the technology more evnly to his outstations throughout Malagali parish.  (See post on Outstations from 2018 Trip)

Overall a big day, with some great pictures attached.



Such a small thing making a big difference
Father Chomba & Charles showing the latest install


Newest Stove with Adapted fitting for various pot sizes


Oldest stove in Kizungu, running for three years



Emma with Atieno in Kizungu


Julia speaking with Government Administrator for Kizungu

Pat & Susi next to trees planted last year in Kizungu

(See post on Anniversary present trees from 2018 Trip)

Luci Lights being distributed in Kizungu

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