Maaka Projects in Gbedema 2017-2018 (Christine Arnheim)

Christine Arnheim

Maaka Projects in Gbedema 2017-2018

In July 2018 Margaret Arnheim and Christine Arnheim, members of Maaka e.V., a German NGO, visited Gbedema to check up the ongoing and previous projects. A mother of three children who had suffered from a severe infection of her right leg in 2017 could only be saved by having the leg amputated. Maaka e.V. provided the financial support for the medical procedure and all additional costs like accommodation and transport to the hospital. Despite the tough decision that had to be made, she is extremely grateful. She walked a long way with her walking aids to visit the Maaka e.V. representatives and thank them. She was later visited at her farm where she and one of her children were working on sheanuts for sheabutter production.

A major project in 2018 was the construction of two Biofil toilets, one of them near the market. The Biofil system is a simple compact on-site organic waste treatment system that combines the benefits of the flush toilet system and those of the composting toilets and eliminates the disadvantages and drawbacks of both systems. Wastewater and fecal matter enter at the top of the Biofil Digester where rapid separation of solids and liquid contents of the waste occurs. The digester is essentially a biological filter consisting of a combination of soil and pervious concrete. Bacteria and other organisms degrade solid fecal matter. All liquids are organically filtered out of the bottom of the digester and drained into the soil where further and final decomposition occurs. Other solids (toilet paper and all degradable material) are decomposed and converted into rich and safe soil.

The Maaka e.V. members also visited the Gbedema primary school which has been supported by Maaka e.V. for many years. They were informed about a new reward system that was initiated to motivate all pupils to be e.g. diligent, helpful and kind. Prizes, such as books and brochures, are given to deserving pupils. Dentist Christine Arnheim held a presentation and demonstration on dental hygiene. The class received toothbrushes and toothpaste.