Buriton’s ‘Village-to-Village’ Link with Dominase
Buriton has developed strong links with the rural community of Dominase in the far north of the Central Region of Ghana over a number of years. In 2003 an innovative 'Village-to-Village' Group was set up to increase awareness and support well beyond links established by local churches
The ‘Village-to-Village’ Link now involves residents across the entire communities in both countries. A Committee of residents in Buriton works closely with an equivalent Committee in Dominase to identify priorities and to coordinate assistance. Buriton Primary School has a link with the Marfo JS School in Dominase and Ditcham Park School is linked with the Besease DA School.
As a registered charity (No.1139835), tax can be reclaimed on donations from UK taxpayers under the Gift Aid scheme.
If you would like to help us with our work - simply click on the 'button' below:
Living Conditions
Living conditions in Dominase are still fairly primitive and unhealthy. There is no running water in the area and only a few wells and boreholes. The local river, often used for washing, is very dirty and can cause chronic disease and death. Mains electricity reached the community in 2009 but not all villagers can afford it.
Our current priority
Our current priority is to raise money here to improve sanitation conditions. People in Dominase, particularly young children, often die due to diseases caused by poor sanitation.
Please read about our ‘Buy a Bog’ campaign and see if you can help in any way.
We have also provided help with:
- health facilities in Dominase
- clean, safe water supplies
- education and schooling
- providing mobile phones
and we are considering:
- the idea of helping to provide a local Library / Resource Centre / Community Learning Centre (with internet access etc) to benefit adults and children
- micro credit and credit unions to assist with economic development.
By working with the Upper Denkyira West District Assembly in Ghana, we have arranged for our County and District Councils in England to establish a link to help with economic development in the area, using funding from the Commonwealth Local Government Forum.
This work is now featured as an example of good practice on a national web-site. Click on this link to take a look: http://www.lg-alliance.org/the-news/news/243-hampshire-and-ghana-linking-village-to-village-and-council-to-council.html
Our principles include:
- priorities are always decided jointly – in conjunction with the ‘Village-to-Village’ Group in Dominase. Their views are taken into account throughout all projects
- villagers in Dominase (and its out-stations) contribute to every project – both with their local knowledge and by giving their labour free of charge
- if we are providing new facilities in Dominase we will always aim to arrange appropriate training as well (eg. in health, hygiene, construction etc.)
- our work should be sustainable – we would not wish Dominase to become dependent upon us
- we work closely with elected authorities in Ghana – having regard to their policies, programmes and priorities
- we raise money in and around the parish of Buriton and from kind donations from further afield. We are also constantly looking for suitable grants to supplement our fund raising efforts
- our Committee and helpers in the UK are all volunteers. Every penny that we raise goes towards funding our programmes.
It is very pleasing to see how Buriton’s Village-to-Village Group is raising awareness and support for Dominase and to see how our little initiative can make a big difference for people thousands of miles away.
Perhaps you can help in some way?
Please contact us by clicking here.
Or, if you would like to find out any more about the link with Dominase, please contact any member of the Village-to-Village Group: Jill Brooker, Monica Ditmas, Doug Jones, Barbara & John Morley, Mary & Terry Owens, Mary & Bernie Saunders, Charlotte Stein.
