The Peace, Water, and Wisdom Race Series exists in order to benefit the BARKA Foundation.  BARKA, an international, United Nations affiliated, 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-governmental organization, works to increase the overall quality of life in the small West African country of Burkina Faso.  Although the population is nearly 16 million, it remains a country with one of the lowest gross domestic products (GDP) and literacy rates in the world.  In addition to these difficulties, the inhabitants of this country, as well as those surrounding it, suffer a much more real problem everyday: the water crisis.  On average, an individual must walk five kilometers to obtain five gallons of highly unsanitary water that is then used for everyday activities such as cooking, cleaning, and drinking.  Because of the water, the Burkinabé suffer from numerous curable yet potentially deadly diseases including cholera. Operating on three continents, BARKA works to provide access to this basic human necessity and to see the fruition of the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals, a task they undertook in 2005.  Most recently, BARKA implemented its 2012 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) campaign in order to eradicate the above mentioned water crisis.  To do so, the organization established a local, self-determined water and sanitation board in the small village of Tantiaka, drilled a well, fixed a well, constructed gender-specific composting toilets for village use, and began a hygiene education program at the local school.  BARKA continues to look to the community for assistance so that they can continue the humanitarian work they do.  

       Directors Donald J. Brooks and Christina M. Long will be holding a series of informational presentations at numerous local public venues, colleges, and high schools.  If you are interested in hosting a presentation, please submit a request by clicking here.   

        The Peace, Water, and Wisdom Race Series inaugural event, held in Bangor, Maine by the John Bapst Student Environmental Action Committee (SEAC), was able to raise just over $1,200 USD to benefit BARKA.  With this success as a strong foundation, SEAC is holding the second annual Peace, Water, and Wisdom Race at the Bangor waterfront Park on October 7, 2012.   The group has set its sights high this year, hoping for 500 participants on race day and a fundraising total of $5,000 USD.  For more information about SEAC or to register for the event, click here.  In addition, the race series is expanding this year to feature an event in Marblehead, Massachusetts.  Organized by the Marblehead Interact Club, the group would like to do much  of the same to aid BARKA in its endeavors.  This event is scheduled for the October 28, 2012.  For more information about the Marblehead Interact Club or to register, click here.