Country-wide blackouts, famine, disease, hyperinflation, foreign military intervention, and 2 leaders who each claim the other is an imposter - Venezuela in crisis!
The world's attention has been focused for weeks on the political and economic situation in Venezuela, with lies and propaganda on every side. Meanwhile, as we have for 6 months, Mission: Agua-Possible is progressing toward our goal of 1300 USD (in STEEM), for a well pump to bring water up to the family farm of @edgargonzalez.
Background
Severe economic and political crisis over the past few years in the South American country of Venezuela intensified recently, as president Maduro doubled down on his currency manipulation, price-fixing, propagandizing citizens, and suppressing resistance. You've heard about the country's recent turmoil. But the world's media isn't showing us even half the reality!
I began to see more and more Steem users from Venezuela, and I started to hear their interesting stories - and ask questions. I discovered some dark truths about the economic and political situation there. Most shops are empty, the currency is worthless, people are hungry - the economy is at a standstill. Theft, corruption, and violence escalate as society breaks down. Millions are fleeing on foot - if they can. The harsh socialist government attempts to control/fix the economy, and blames problems on the people. Most government services (like running water) work only in certain areas - or not at all.
The people are desperate for any change and protests sometimes fill the streets for miles. Maduro announced that Venezuela will no longer accept US Dollars for oil exports, then tried to get his country's gold back from Bank of England, who refused. The Russian military has become involved, supporting Maduro. The Americans back a previously-unknown man called Guaidó. It seems that violence may be coming. Stability for the people seems out of reach.
Edgar
A few months ago, I found the blog of Edgar (@edgargonzalez), a Venezuelan man about my age. He's a father of young children, and a professional whose job disappeared because of the crisis. He feeds his family by fishing, foraging for fruits, and growing cassava on his late-father's plantation. He uses Steemit to share his stories and earn Steem to buy food. Shortly after I met Edgar, a power outage caused a failure of the pump used to bring water up to the farm. A repairman confirmed the pump is beyond fixing. Edgar had been using his well to water his crops, and to provide drinking water to his children and other families in the neighborhood. Without a pump to bring water up from the aquifer, his gardens have withered - and the neighborhood must forage for water elsewhere.
Without government water services, and now without water from his well, Edgar and a few other families are in a tough situation. I wondered what a poor Canadian man could do to help. After using the Steem blockchain to learn about the problems, I realized that it could also be the SOLUTION!
That's when I first began Mission Agua-possible! Once we gather 1300 USD worth of Steem, I'll transfer it to Edgar, to be converted to cash to buy the pump.
Getting this pump for the farm as soon as possible is vital. Water is life!
Another welcome boost as the Steem price climbs
There were a decent number of upvotes this week, and we had a great 5.0 Steem direct donation from @jk6276, plus the climbing price of Steem worked in our favour, as you'll read below!
Resteems help get new eyes (and upvotes) into the project, so thank you if you're able to resteem occasionally.
Much appreciation to those who upvoted last week:
Week 25
week 24 funds: 172.733 Steem
new funds:
- week 24 post payout = 0.536 SBD and 1.190 STEEM POWER = 2.38 Steem
- 5.0 Steem direct donation from @jk6276
- you can send me Steem directly and your donation will be noted here
Total funds: 180.113 Steem
x 0.505 USD/Steem = $90.96 USD (of $1300)
Current progress: 7.0%
We finally reached 5% last week, and this week we're at a new high: 7% complete!
Upvoting this post is appreciated so much! 100% goes to the project.
Mission Agua-Possible will help many people, and inspire other great projects. It's a group success story, playing out on the Steem blockchain. Together, we're going to dramatically improve the lives of a whole neighborhood that really needs it!
DRutter
Upvoted and resteemed again this week.
Hopefully we continue to receive new upvotes and support, a steady flow of direct donations, and help from the Steem/USD price!
This! ^^^
Speaking of direct donations, I'm donating 2.5 Steem to Mission Agua Possible, which I got from the dudes at @canna-curate and @guysofcannabis for participating in their male cannamodeling fun :)
(It will show up on the coming update, Saturday.)
7% is terrific progress from a few weeks ago. Lets hope that the recovery in the price of STEEM continues, and this momentum grows.
Posted using Partiko Android
Yeah, 7% at least feels like we're moving. It's frustrating that it takes so long (and so much effort) to grind up a couple grand for a good cause. But steady progress is better than stagnation. :) Thanks again for all your participation!
seems worth mentioning @onepagex for a little help.
upvoted!
This post has received a free upvote by @OnePageX
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