Starvation is the word that stands out stark in the meetings we have been  holding in Khartoum before going to El Fasher onFriday.  The new of the drought in Darfur was not exaggerated when reported to me in  England.   OUr job is to tryt o find ways of helping families withstand the terrible conditions we saw for ourselves the first time in 2001. Internet connection is appalling so please forgive the rrors.   We are seeking help to enable families to have access to water and there is real hope an a meeting we held yesterdday - another is planned before we got to darfur - with a local NGO with experience in repairing and installing handpumps.    My plan is to fund the repair of as many pumps as possible.    My job now is to identify how this can be done and to raise the funds as quicklky as possible.  One family before I cam out gave me a generous cheque - I am hoping that will enable the repair to severalSio many villages, so many children.  pumps.  Now I must call for m ore!     My idea of providing as many donkeys as possible to carry the water from distant pumps to children's homes has to be right too.   And can I find more water carts?   On Friday to El Falsher - what else will I find? st