Founding:      WSA was organized in July 2004 after meeting for breakfast and looking at some recent pictures that Bob Marshall had taken on his trip to Mali as well as John Samples trip to Mali to help Rich in Timbuktu. We, as a board, see the need and we have a desire to help and see a way that we can do this with your help. Board members: John W. Samples, Sr., Broadalbin, NY - President      Retired businessman. Has been to Mali, West Africa twice and has seen the drought conditions and living conditions of the natives that do not have access to sanitary water. Also visited places where water is available through the use of wells and reservoirs and the gardens and produce that they have grown. These people are happier and enjoy a better life style than those who live in places without water. Robert Marshall, Amsterdam, NY - Vice President/Building Tech.      Grew up in Mali, Africa. Learned to speak French and a local language prevalent throughout Mali. As an adult, he has worked in the U.S. within the tanning industry in plant management as well as part owner. His experience and language skills have enabled him to operate tanneries in Sudan and in Mali. He presently is building a tannery in Segou, Mali that utilizes animal skins common to Africa. The water technology (source) for this tannery is very similar to what "Water Solutions For Africa" wants to accomplish throughout Africa. Richard Marshall, Timbuktu, Mali - Vice President/Well Drilling Tech.      Grew up in Mali as well. Saw first hand, as a teenager, the results of the first drought and famine to sweep across many of the West African countries in 1970 - 74. Then as a result of the second famine 10 years later and the desire to work with the Toureg people (nomads + bushpeople) went back to Mali with the EBM (Evangelical Baptist Mission) to work on a garden near Timbuktu that was started to help displaced people because of the famines. As a result of the last 20 years has gained the experience with drilling wells and using reservoirs. Steve Barnett, Amsterdam, NY - Secretary      Presently owns and operates Barnett Agency, Inc. - an independent insurance agency in the U.S.. His familiarity with managing an office(staff, web site, publications, etc.) will aid in starting this organization as well as maintaining it in the future. Robert Waite, Johnstown, NY - Treasurer      Owns and operates with his wife Aurelia, R & A Waite, Inc., a financial services firm based in Johnstown, NY. He brings 30 years of financial management experience to the organization, including 15 years in the financial management of non profit organizations. Purpose: To raise money and solicit grants from corporations, foundations and individuals for the development of water systems throughout Africa. To seek volunteers that will organize and lead in the development of the agricultural, animal husbandry and sanitary water systems of an African village. To drill deep water wells and build above ground reservoirs throughout sub-Saharan Africa, so villagers have safe drinking water and water for their farms and gardens. To educate and train Africans to drill, build and maintain a water system for their villages      As more and more of Africa is being taken over by the Sahara Desert, and famine continues to plague this continent, our solution is to drill wells and build reservoirs with Africans, for their villages. When they can access sanitary water 100' to 300' beneath their villages, the population will stop fleeing from the advancing desert, stop unlimited animal grazing and start farms. With sanitary water, we believe Africans will become self sufficient and their quality of life will improve.