“I Love Africa,” a nongovernmental organization dedicated to improving the lives of people in Africa, launched a service corps Monday to drill 15 wells in Tanzania.

The volunteers will leave for the East African country on Saturday to dig 15 fresh water wells in elementary school yards over a seven-day period.

I Love Africa began a campaign in 2011 to explore springs in Africa. It has already set up 22 wells in Tanzania. An additional 15 wells, if dedicated this time, will supply drinking water to 60,000 to 70,000 residents.

A water well can protect up to 18,000 people from diseases that are caused by drinking polluted water.

The Africa relief group will continue the campaign until it digs a total of 20,000 wells.

(swchun@heraldcorp.com)