Mutanu Now Enjoys Free Time!

Nine-year-old Mutanu recalled what life was like in the Nzimba Community before her community's dug well was implemented last year.

"I had to help fetch water for the household; thus, I could walk up the steep hill when coming back home carrying water, which was very exhausting. Due to the water scarcity, water was used sparingly at home; thus, washing garments or performing other personal hygiene chores was occasional. Also, my family could not practice sufficient farming because of the drought," said Mutanu.

She continued, "I would help my family to draw water from the previous shallow wells whenever I was not in school. Walking up the steep terrain while carrying water was very exhausting, and [I] could barely get time to do my homework or play with my friends. I was also sent to Kasioni market to draw fresh drinking water, which was another exacting activity."

Collecting water is now less burdensome for Mutanu and the other community members in Nzimba.

"I am now drinking clean water from the shallow well and [am] not exposed to infections like typhoid. We also have enough water to perform personal hygiene. Thus, issues like ringworms have been reduced," shared Mutanu.

Having ready access to water from the well has made a difference for Mutanu, allowing her time to focus on learning and enjoy her friends.

"It feels good to have enough clean water to drink because I had to bear with thirst most times in the past. My grades have improved because I have sufficient time [to] do my homework thanks to the water point's close proximity. I now spend most of my free time playing with my friends, studying, or helping my mother with household chores," concluded Mutanu.