On Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 April, the Lvia Association (International association of lay volunteers, which deals with solidarity and cooperation with developing countries, founded in Cuneo in 1966 by Don Aldo Benevelli) will be present in the squares of Cuneo, Turin and in numerous locations in the respective provinces, with stands of solidarity aromatic plants of the “Make solidarity grow” initiative. Citizens will have the opportunity to support the rehabilitation of a well in the village of Dawa Kechen, Ethiopia, and receive in exchange a pot with an aromatic plant or spring flowers.
The initiative is part of the broader “Water is Life” campaign, with which Lvia – which has always been committed to raising awareness of the right to water – also aims to bring drinking water and sanitation to half a million people by 2029.
The aromatic plants of “Grow Solidarity” this year finance the village of Dawa Kechen, located in the arid region of Oromia, in Ethiopia. Here, due to lack of maintenance and high fuel costs, the well does not provide enough water to meet the needs of the community who often have to use ponds to draw water. This well, vital to around 4,000 people and two local health centres, requires urgent interventions to ensure a reliable and safe water supply.
Every year Lvia can count on the commitment of over 200 male and female volunteers who, with enthusiasm, generously dedicate their time and energy to contribute to building a supportive and inclusive society. In 2024, “Make solidarity grow” also receives the support of the Cherasco Cooperative Credit Bank.
A fundamental part of “Make solidarity grow” takes place in nine schools (eight in the province of Cuneo and one in the province of Turin) that join the campaign. The students of the elementary and middle classes involved participate in training on the issues of the right to water in the South of the world, organized by Lvia. Subsequently, they engage on the front line in an active citizenship activity where, with the guidance of their teachers and an operator from Lvia, they organize a fundraising moment with solidarity plants. This direct involvement makes them protagonists and direct supporters of a solidarity action that contributes to raising awareness and bringing about concrete change.
To support Lvia’s commitment it is possible to donate to the Iban: IT 98 U050 1801 000 000 011 064 284 using the reason Piantine Solidali 2024; to find out where the stalls are located: https://tinyurl.com/56tnyve5.
For further information: www.lvia.it or call the Lvia office on 0171.696975.
