Hope makes its way

A map is a good tool to immerse yourself in the recent history of Africa.
That of West Africa in particular is emblematic of the challenge between the European powers greedy for conquest for profit, first of commercial outposts, and then of immense territories; ending up nesting possessions one inside the other, scissored in unnatural boundaries. This explains, for example, why there are three Guineas, distinguished only by their colonial past.

Guinea Bissau was Portuguese until half a century ago.
A small country, only two million inhabitants; among the poorest of all, with a life expectancy still under 60 years. The political and institutional situation is unstable; the shadow of drug trafficking hangs over areas of the territory, a springboard for supplying Europe.

But even in difficult scenarios, hope laboriously makes its way. Friends of the Abala Lite Association met these people in 2006; and since then they have not stopped developing initiatives together. A commitment to which we joined with pleasure shortly after.
The action is based on two strengths: the presence of volunteers for quite a long time, to build a deep relationship with people and communities; identifying together the priorities for action, and agreeing on how to implement them.
A strong relationship is also with the Franciscan Fathers and Sisters, well present in the country, to create synergies and constancy in service.

It operates in several villages, north of the capital: N'Tchangue, Nhoma, Quida, Nague. Initially in the field of horticulture and rice cultivation - capillarily - to improve the capacity and food security of the communities. Gradually, with an ever-increasing pace, up to the creation of a widespread network of initiatives, above all for: – giving access to sources of safe water for human consumption, toilets, irrigation; preventing many diseases; – school, with canteen; to educate children, and also adults, learning better to associate to produce and transform; – create and enhance the service of rural health facilities; a great resource also for "widespread" prevention, such as the hundreds of eye examinations in 2022 in N'Tchangue which avoided disabling consequences for children and adults.

With the responsible participation of the community in their use, the sustainability of the achievements is taken care of both in economic support where possible, and in training young men and women to guide their operation, maintenance and improvements. Including health personnel, of vital importance.

Our contribution to this work has so far offered a lot of "energy". That of more than a hundred panels and other photovoltaic material to power hospitals, pumping stations and schools. That of technical volunteers who brought submersible pumps and shared experience in installing them and other systems, then monitored remotely. The one instilled in the kids who now have at their disposal several computer rooms sent to the schools of the Franciscan Missions.

Also this year new projects again. Including new wells and refurbishment of traditional wells; the important launch of an "agriculture school", initially based on cycles of meetings with adults. Then the launch of systematic specialist training in Italy for healthcare personnel. We are ready to participate with everything we can make available.

Constancy and method of "ordinary people" have created a path out of nothing: which will give more and more "human" development.

Mauro Palombo
NP January 2023