A letter from Rimantas Krankalis, the author of the project, to the funders.
April 15, 1998
Dear Mr. Thompson and Club members,
Thank you very much for your message of March 20, 1998.
1. There is some information about execution of the project “The Wells. What is the water we drink?” 15 secondary schools of Siauliai town take part in it (totally trere are 22 schools). We didn’t hope for such activity. The schools from Siauliai district also joined the project. Number of our club members has grown, our activity has geographically expended. We intend to examine water of ca. 300 wells in Siauliai toun and district.
Each school chose the wells on its own discretion. In execution of the project we co-operate with the experts from Siauliai Public Health Center, Environment Protection, Education departments. The consultant taught us to operate the device, having been re seived from the ECOLOGIA representatives in Vilnius (Lithuania). During the project the pupils collected data about environment of the well, fertilizers, used for growing vegetables, possible sourse of fertilizers, etc.), then conclusions were made.
In May we plan to arange a conference for pupils. The residents, government representatives will be invited, the results of the works having been carried out presented, we will look for the possibilities to improve situation. We are happy for youth to inc ite older people to become concerned in the existing situation.
2. As I have already written, we caused a great interest and activity from the pupils and students in this project. They themselves started suggesting new projects: to investigate wells, open water bodies, rain water. In case of some possibilities for fin ancing, we would be very thankful. Please , write, what must we do for this (or to present you of samebody else an appication, what are other wishes and requirements).
3. Some information about our city.
Ca. 85 per cent of residents have got water supply and sewerage systems. The rest of them use water from the wells, work in agriculture; water quality is not poor. Now it is very important to keep the residents informed about their wells’ water quality, h
ow to protect the wells from pollution. Later on - to make influence for government decisions. It’s still much to do.
We are very happy for Valdas Adamkus, the ecologist from USA became Lithuanian President. After his election we, the Lithuanian citizens, felt greater attention paid at the environment protection.
Later I will keep you informed about the results of research (it is still going on). Once more thank you for your support in our project. Good luck at Model United Nations Conference.
Looking forward to hear from you.
Yours sincerely,
R. Krankalis
P.S. I’ll send you the photoes in my next letter. Please indicate address for mailing.