Something’s fishy in the state of Angola

07/08/2008

BMS mission worker, Joan Woodyer, tells of an exciting new project that is having an impressive ‘ripple effect’.

I was recently talking to a man who said to me, “God gives us talents and he expects us to use them to change the world for the better”. This man is the initiator of a fish farm in one of the local villages.

He’s not exactly the ‘brains’ behind the project because he would be the first to admit that when he got the idea he knew nothing about fish farming, he actually has a doctorate in philosophy, he therefore enlisted the help of water engineers, construction workers and a vet for advice on fish stock etc.

In the two years since the project began they have cleared an area beside the river, planted a garden, dug three fish pools, built a house with a bathroom with running water and an outhouse area with four sinks, also with running water. For a small charge the local women will be able to do their family laundry at a sink rather than standing in the river. The water incidentally goes through a process of natural filtration and is of good quality. It was impressive.

This is a business enterprise which not only benefits him but also the local community. The project has already provided employment for two years, and the ongoing upkeep and management will provide more jobs. This man is of course very fortunate in that he has benefited from a good education and not everyone has that opportunity.

What makes him stand out from the rest is that not only is he a gifted communicator with the ability to encourage others to get involved, but he is also a man who doesn’t just think about things but makes them happen too, he is using his talents to make his part of the world a better place.

Utilities

Angola News

News from 2008