Finding Jiko,

This is not the latest Hollywood blockbuster but a very inclusive process in trying to select a stove for Mayega Children’s Centre!

Busega Scotland is working with Busega District Council and the Rotary Club of Elgin, Scotland to prepare a funding application for a kitchen to be constructed at the Centre. In addition, the funds requested will allow 5 new standpipes to be installed at Mayega village. All seven sub-villages would then be served with piped water, as well as the village’s dispensary.

Busega Scotland wishes to express its thanks to colleagues at Busega District Council and Elgin Rotary Club. The Council has laid the pipes, bringing the mains supply to Mayega and has led in the design and costing of the new work. Elgin Rotary is submitting the grant application. The Mayega Water Project is a great example of effective collaboration and cooperation.

But back to the kijiko. The design is a fuel efficient stove, lined with firebricks and fitted with a chimney to take the wood smoke out of the kitchen. There are a couple of designs. Leya (Matron) and Victoria (Cook) visited Mwanza to see a stove in action, hear about its ease of use and help us decide together if it is right for Mayega Children’s Centre.

The outcome was positive and Victoria took back a small mboga (vegetable) stove to try out. The main stove will have two made to measure pots will that sit inside the stove, which adds to the fuel efficiency. One will be for wari (rice) or ugari (maize porridge) and the other for maharagi (beans).

The stove will be manufactured by a small business based at a SIDO workshop on the outskirts of Mwanza. Its a bit like a small industrial estate.

SIDO stands for Small Industries Development Organisation .

A special mention to the Rotary Club of Forres, near to John and Christine’s home village, who have donated £300 towards the cost of the stove. Many thanks for this very kind and helpful contribution.