Philippines | Summer 2006

I am delighted to declare WEL’s first mission to the Philippines a success! The construction of three artesian wells, along with the presentations of Henry the Hand International to over 3,000 children went flawlessly. The volunteers and school children from the province of Laguna, Philippines (southeast of Manila on the island of Luzon) were a pleasure to interact with. Through the Henry the Hand (HTH) presentations (teaching proper hand washing technique, sanitation, and disease prevention), the clean water provided from the wells will be put to a more efficient use. The first well was constructed at an elementary level school, where we had the pleasure of doing an HTH presentation. Hundreds of elementary students will now have convenient access to clean water. The second well was built on a resident's yard, serving numerous neighboring streets in the area. These families will no longer have to walk long distances to the nearest well, and then carry back heavy buckets of water every morning. The third well is located at a day care center, providing water for the center as well as neighboring residents. The most beautiful thing about these wells is that they highlight the sense of community that exists in Laguna. Although the wells are in a school, a resident’s front yard, and a daycare center, they service all neighboring members of the community. The success of this mission is due to concerted work on all levels - from those involved in fundraising in the United States, to the local volunteers who physically worked on the wells. WEL’s goal to help bridge the gap in disparity between developed and developing nations comes one step closer by bridging the work of humanity from both sides of the globe.

Lawrence J Purpura III
(WEL Founder and President)

Dominican Republic | Winter 2006

(coming soon)