Heather Cumming
Supplies wells to remote areas of Africa
“This is my life’s dream. I am bringing water, which means food, to Africans”
Biography
As project director for Simwatachela Sustainable Agricultural and Arts Program (SSAAP), Heather Cumming currently works to build wells in dry rural areas of Zambia.
Photo: Heather Cumming and daughter Radiance
Additional information
Cumming also supported schools with needed supplies, helped teen mothers return to school, sponsored microloan businesses, started seed sharing programs, provided goats and chickens for raising, helped replant forests, and much, much more.
During this work she contracted Malaria and almost died, twice.
The SSAAP project model has also been extended to Sierra Leone, West Africa, in the rural areas of Moyamba and Port Loko, identifying the need for water wells.
Why is this non-profit organization called SSAAP?
"It stands for Simwatachela Sustainable Agricultural and Arts Program, founded on the premise that SSAAP would employ artisans from Zambia and Sierra Leone at fair trade prices, sell the art to US donors, and the money generated would return to the African villages in Sierra Leone and Zambia. The Peace Corps model at its purest.” --from SSAAP website
Why I selected Heather Cumming as a peace hero
Heather grew up here in Centerville, Ohio.
I learned about Heather Cumming's work when her mother Gail came to MVUUF for a visit.
Heather has dedicated her life to make others’ lives better.
Web links:
SSAAP site:
https://www.ssaap.org/
SSAAP brochure:
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4dace3e52ee364dba351c9/t/5f94d268aa018b57d3e2efd2/1603588713174/SSAAP+brochure+2015.pdf
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