A New Vehicle for CSP Uganda

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When Mike and Rebecca Sommer visited Uganda, they became very aware of the need for a new vehicle. Rebecca reported that, “Our staff members are frequently joined by community leaders, partners, and health workers when they drive from village to village and the current, aging vehicle is no longer adequate or dependable.” During their visit, the brakes failed on the car and the gas gauge wasn’t working, as well as other issues. Based on the needs of CSP’s Uganda staff, CSP began looking at a used four-wheel Toyota Field Tourer, or something similar, which would cost about $9,000.00. 

That amount of money could buy hundreds of cookstoves so this need presented a challenge. “We were very reluctant to take this kind of money out of our operating budget,” said Rebecca, “since much of that money was given specifically for constructing cookstoves. We therefore began looking for donors to address this particular need for a vehicle.”  

The appeal focused on the fact that the new vehicle would significantly increase the effectiveness and reduce the burdens of the local team. Ugandan roads can be barely passable in some areas so the vehicle would need to be rugged as well as spacious. The appeal pointed out that, “This is a perfect opportunity to express our support to our Ugandan staff members by making it more safe and far less stressful for them to accomplish their invaluable work each day.” 

Thanks to CSP’s supporters, a few months later, the new vehicle was traveling from village to village spreading the message and the impact of the Cookstove Project.