text.skipToContent text.skipToNavigation

Border States employee-owner advocates clean water wells in Africa

African wells
Lex Silbernagel and his wife, Karen, pump water from a newly commissioned well in Zambia, Africa.

Lex Silbernagel lives in Fargo, ND, but he has a heart for Zambia, Africa.

Silbernagel and his wife, Karen, recently returned from Zambia, where they were part of a group going village to village to learn what is needed to develop clean water sources in Africa. The August trip involved a partnership between Wellspring for the World, World Vision and Fargo’s Hope Lutheran Church, of which Silbernagel and his wife are members.

African wells
Silbernagel visited Zambia, Africa in August to advocate clean water wells.

Wellspring for the World is an area nonprofit that provides funding for the development of water access in impoverished areas around the globe. World Vision develops water wells and partners with children, families and their communities to tackle the causes of poverty and injustice.

“Through our trip, we saw how clean water changes lives,” says Silbernagel, Border States Vice President of Strategic Alliances. “Without water, you can’t do much of anything. It’s a key that opens doors to health and sustainable life.”

African wells
Wellspring for the World provides funding for the development of water access in impoverished areas, while World Vision develops wells and partners with children, families and their communities to tackle the causes of poverty and injustice.

The group learned how a deep-water well can mean the difference between a life of struggle and one that is self-sustaining and prosperous. They witnessed a well’s direct impact on health, education and economic development. The team is now looking to raise awareness – and money, in hopes they can help improve lives in Africa. Each well serves around 240 families and costs approximately $15,000, with every dollar donated being multiplied six times.

For Silbernagel, the key factor in making a difference is supportive friends, family and colleagues.

“It’s great to work for a company that not only supports a number of charitable causes, but supports employee-owners like myself to take the time to learn how we can help make a difference in the world,” Silbernagel says. “There’s so much good that is going to come out of this initiative.”

Learn more about and give toward the well mission in Zambia.

African wells
By touring different villages, Silbernagel and his group from Fargo, ND, witnessed a well’s direct impact on health, education and economic development.

 

Lex 1
Lex Silbernagel explores the terrain of Zambia, Africa, where he was part of a recent mission trip to bring clean water to villages.

 

Lex 2
Lex Silbernagel and his wife, Karen.

 

Silbernagel’s group from Fargo takes a break with a Zambian tour guide.

 

Lex 4
The group on safari.

Related posts

Pedaling Against Poaching: Border States biker saving endangered rhinos

Home on the range: Border States helps build cowboy’s dialysis house