FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Contact: Jenny Fredette WorldServe International Phone: 202-302-4979 Fax: 806-737-4979 jenny@worldserveintl.org www.worldserveintl.org   U.S. Senator Barack Obama Visits Local Agency’s Projects in Africa   Springfield, MO – September 6, 2006 — U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) recently visited the overseas water projects of Springfield-based economic development organization WorldServe International.   Senator Obama’s visit to water well drilling sites in Northern Kenya was part of a 15-day tour to highlight important issues such as poverty, HIV/AIDS, and the plight of displaced persons. Obama visited five African nations: South Africa, Congo, Djibouti, Sudan, and his father’s homeland, Kenya.   The site visit gave Obama an opportunity to see both the severe need for clean water and WorldServe’s positive impact throughout the region. WorldServe’s work in the Wajir district of northern Kenya is implemented by Maji-Tech Engineering, a closely aligned water development company headquartered in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. In response to severe droughts and a declared national emergency, WorldServe and its partners have undertaken a massive relief project to drill and develop 10 boreholes into community-capacity water wells.   WorldServe, led by President John M. Bongiorno, launched its clean water initiative to respond to the global water crisis. With 1.1 billion people lacking access to clean water and basic sanitation, water is the number one killer in the world today. More people die from preventable, water-related diseases or lack of water than any other cause. In fact, 80 percent of all sickness is attributed to unsafe water. Lack of access means that women and children in sub-Saharan Africa walk up to 8 miles each day in search of water for their families.   WorldServe’s water initiative operates throughout East Africa, primarily in Tanzania and Kenya, and is currently expanding into West Africa. By using high-capacity drilling rigs, WorldServe brings clean water access to poor communities.   Involving high-level officials such as Senator Obama is key to WorldServe's mission of building global networks in order to meet local needs. Field staff welcomed the opportunity to meet with Obama and share the hope of clean, safe water for communities.   Wajir is the largest district in the Northeastern province and experiences recurrent droughts that hinder development within the area. Poverty levels are very high within the pastoralist community, especially now due to the prolonged drought that has killed the most livestock.   WorldServe’s relief response in Wajir was made possible by several partners and supporters, including U.S. Senator James M. Inhofe (R-OK), U.S. Senator Michael B. Enzi (R-WY), U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR), and Angel Christian Television Trust (charitable arm of broadcast network God TV).   Obama’s visit to Kenya was especially meaningful for local people who see him as one of their own. The Senator's late father was born and raised in Kenya.   For additional information, contact: Jenny Fredette WorldServe International Phone: 202-302-3979 Fax: 806-737-4979 jenny@worldserveintl.org www.worldserveintl.org   U.S. Senator Barack Obama’s recent visit to WorldServe’s water well projects in Northern Kenya highlighted the need for clean water as well as the positive impact WorldServe is having throughout the region.   Organizational History: WorldServe is a faith-based, non-profit organization engaged in humanitarian relief and economic development. It alleviates physical and spiritual poverty by giving the poor help for today and hope for tomorrow. Providing sustainable growth opportunities and strategically investing in entrepreneurial communities, WorldServe seeks to restore dignity to people's lives. Recent innovative projects include the drilling of water wells, strategic medical missions, and microfinance loans to create jobs. WorldServe is an inter-denominational organization with a diverse array of partners. We are "Building global networks. Meeting local needs."