Books Fund Senegal Well

Lionel Croes and Véronique Ravêche recently funded a well’s construction in a village south of Dakar, Senegal. The pair, who work as guides at Pairi Daiza park in Belgium, sell educational books to support their association, “Solidarité Belgique Sénégal.” Proceeds from book sales—specifically 430 euros—covered the costs to drill and activate the well, finding water at just five meters deep.

The project arose from a need for alternative funding. Recent legal changes in Belgium reduced tax deductions for donations from 45% to 30%.

This made traditional fundraising harder for smaller organizations like theirs. They now sell books during their off-hours at the park, directly linking purchases to aid projects.

Currently, they are fundraising for three more projects through an online campaign. As of late May, the campaign has already collected 3200 euros, exceeding its 3000 euro goal, and benefiting from a matching program. They plan to continue supporting communities in Senegal with books and trees.