Completed Project Guinea

Wells for Guinea

Arthrex’s first project involves funding the building of wells in Guinea. The project has been underway for three years now and has been extended on account of its success.

The idea behind the foundation is being pursued by Arthrex staff, who bring creativity and great dedication to the work of the foundation. This concerted effort gives everyone involved a great sense of achievement!

Water is Life

Plan International’s goal is to ensure an all-year-round supply of drinking water in the forest region of Guinea. To this end, wells were built and the families educated in their upkeep and maintenance.

The villagers built the wells with the support of professional, local hydraulic engineers and members of the ministry of health. An elected village committee – made up of two women and two men – supervises the execution of the project. Each well was equipped with a lid and a hand-operated winch, so women and children can draw the water with little effort and the risk of contamination is reduced.

Once the wells have been built, the connection between hygiene and illness is explained to the families. They learn to recognise, and report if necessary, the symptoms of water-borne diseases such as cholera and dysentery. This can help to save lives and prevent epidemics.

Guinea - facts and figures

Capital: Conakry
Official language: French
Religion: Islam 80%, local religions 5-10%, Christianity 4.3%
Population: 8.4 million
Age distribution: Over 40% below the age of 15
Mortality rate: Over 60,000 under the age of 5 die every year
Literacy rate: 27% of women and 55% of men
Diet: 34% of the population are malnourished
Life expectancy: 48 years

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