Tom Jacobs, on founding "Lokisa Water Project" with Bokang Nt'seo

2 June

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"Lokisa Water Project" Bringing Water Where It's Needed, One tap at the time.

Here is to the brave soul and everyday heroes!

" The world is an overwhelming place and it can feel like what can you even do as one person but water is something I can do something about"
Tom Jacobs

Tom Jacobs is an engineer and he knows all about water.

When he moved to Lesotho, a locked land in South Africa, he came to the realisation that despite water being one of the most abundant resource in the country, people mostly did not have access to it.

No tap water, no toilets!

People going on serious hike to get water, sharing nature water with animals… And so he thought, water is something I can do something about.

No rocket science, no crazy entrepreneur style, digging holes and putting pipes.

This episode is diving into the inspiring journey of Tom Jacobs and Bokang Nt'Seo—aka Blitz—who came together to start the Lokisa Water Project in Lesotho, an NGO bringing water systems to villages, schools and even hospitals!

The dream team - Tom and Blitz

Tom Jacobs, originally from the Northern Beaches of Sydney, could have easily led a cushy life in Australia, but he chose to move to Lesotho with his family. Fuelled by his wife’s connection to the country and a deep-rooted desire to create impactful change, Tom took the leap and moved with his family in Lesotho.

Blitz, a proud Lesotho native, brings crucial local insight and knowledge to the table. Raised in a village where fetching water involved walking long distances, Blitz deeply understands the struggles of his community. Together, they embarked on a mission to improve access to clean water for remote villages in Lesotho.

Digging life changing Ditches

"The great thing about water is that it is always received with such enthusiasm"

The idea is simple, the execution is challenging but the impact is amazing!

Their very first project kicked off in Blitz’s home village. Digging ditches, laying pipes, and installing water systems but it was no walk in the park. No roads meant a good hike and donkey rides (yep, you read that right) , with every bit of equipment transported manually. Despite these challenges, they successfully installed tanks and taps, transforming the lives of the villagers.

“Changing the lifestyle of someone to a better form is really what was my highlight,” recalls Blitz.

Their work doesn’t stop at just providing water. Lokisa also focuses on building and maintaining latrines to improve sanitation, and they make it a point to involve the local community at every step. From raising funds to hire local labor to forming water committees for sustainability, the villagers are empowered to take ownership of their water systems, ensuring long-term upkeep.

Tackling Challenges Head-On

Lesotho’s rugged terrain and extreme weather conditions add a layer of complexity to Lokisa’s work. Projects often involve hiking for hours to reach remote villages and bargaining with unpredictable factors like snow-covered mountains and high winds and sometimes, disheartening vandalism.

Despite these setbacks, their commitment remains unwavering. Tom and Blitz continually engage with government bodies, like the Ministries of Health and Education, ensuring their projects align with broader community needs and receive necessary approvals and support.

The Power of Community and Support

Both Tom and Blitz work in corporate jobs at MG Health but that’s no barrier, quite teh opposite.

If you think that being corporately employed is a no go for setting your own vision, have the chat with your employer, they may be much more supportive than you think.

MG Health. Corporate support plays a pivotal role, providing not just financial help but also expertise and resources. Employees of MG Health enthusiastically buy Lokisa merchandise, raising funds and spreading awareness.

But there's a need for more support. With a fundraising target of $50,000 for the next year, they aim to reach more villages, schools, and even hospitals. Their projects cost between $10,000 to $15,000, impacting up to 2,000 people per project—a small price for a huge impact.

Takeaways

1. Every Little Bit Helps

You don’t need millions to make a difference. With around $20,000, Lokisa can bring clean water to thousands of people.

2. Local Involvement Is Key

Engaging the local community ensures sustainability. Villagers take ownership, maintaining the water systems long after Lokisa completes a project.

3. Your corporate job may be an advantage!

A supportive employer can make a significant difference. MG Health's assistance to Lokisa underscores how businesses can play a role in social causes.

4. Innovation Isn't Always High-Tech.

Sometimes, solving a problem is about practical solutions rather than groundbreaking technology. Digging ditches and laying pipes might not seem revolutionary, but it brings about tangible change.

Enjoy the ride on this episode with Tom and Blitz.

Tom Jacobs and Blitz exemplify how powerful a combination of empathy, initiative, and collaboration can be. Their work through Lokisa Water Project is not just about providing water; it’s about transforming lives, one village at a time.

If you're inspired by their story and want to support their mission, consider donating. A small contribution can mean the world to a remote village in Lesotho.

"You're one person with tons of skills. You can make a huge difference, one step—or in this case, one tap—at a time."

To get involved and support Lokisa Water Project, just Google “Lokisa Water Project GDG” to find their donation page. Let’s help them bring more smiles, songs, and clean water to the mountains of Lesotho.