Resolutions That Save Lives: A Story to Show Why Giving Matters

As we welcome the new year, many of us are setting resolutions — goals to better ourselves, our families, or our communities. 

But what if your resolution could change someone’s life entirely? 

For Daniel, a student from Kalimbuli Community, this possibility is a reality thanks to supporters of The Water Project.

Life Before Clean Water: A Daily Struggle

Before clean water was accessible in Daniel’s community of Kalimbuli, daily life was a grueling struggle. Daniel and his peers often missed school to fetch water, which consumed their entire day. 

Like many in Southeast Kenya, Daniel and his family faced water insecurity. Daniel’s family and their neighbors wasted invaluable time collecting water that was often insufficient to meet their needs. The difficult journey sapped their physical and emotional energy, creating roadblocks in all areas of life. 

For Daniel, it lessened his opportunity to attend school regularly and care for the family’s livestock.

“Last year, water was such a big problem for us,” said Daniel. 

“We had to go very far to get it, and even then, the water wasn’t good. My mom used to spend so much money buying it, and it still wasn’t enough for all our needs. Sometimes, we’d run out, and that made life really hard for everyone. Even the goats would not drink water for days, and we couldn’t take good care of them.”

Before we installed new water sources in Kalimbui, families without donkeys to carry water were left with no choice but to haul heavy 20-liter jerrycans themselves. The local water kiosk, the only source available, was open only in the mornings and often had long queues. 

“The distance [to the water point] is very long for me,” said 16-year-old Francisca (Daniel’s neighbor from Kalimbuli). 

“I have been missing school regularly,” Francisca continued. “Last moon, I prepared very early to go and fetch water. Little did I know that the queue [at] the kiosk had prolonged. I waited and waited for my turn. When finally I got the water, it was too late for me to think of going to school. I felt bad missing my dearest teachers and lessons.”

For many families, fetching water was not just exhausting but also demoralizing. 

Josephine Mbiti, a 60-year-old farmer, shared how she often had to borrow a donkey to transport water, paying two jerrycans of water in return. 

“The water situation in my area gives me a headache,” Josephine said. “At times, when I don’t get a borrowed donkey, I have to carry the water using my back. I am forced to buy water most of the time.”

Even worse, the kiosk’s water was salty and unsafe, often causing bloated stomachs (a potential side effect of parasite infestation) for those who couldn’t afford the time, firewood, or energy to boil it. 

This unreliable and unsafe water source not only affected health, but also prevented families from irrigating crops, leading to failed harvests and financial strain.

Dreaming Big: Daniel’s Aspirations

Today, Daniel’s story is different. Thanks to the generosity of monthly donors who fund ongoing monitoring and repair work, the water point in Kalimbuli Community is functioning reliably. 

Access to clean, safe water has transformed Daniel’s life. Now, instead of spending hours fetching water, he has time to study and excel in school.

“This waterpoint is very close to my home, and I can easily come and fetch fresh water to drink whenever I feel thirsty!” Daniel shared. “Clean water has made everything better. My mom doesn’t have to spend so much money, and we always have enough for drinking, cooking, and even washing. It tastes so nice, and it feels good to know it’s safe. Our goats are also healthier because they get enough water.

“I’ve been doing so much better in school! Before, I used to miss classes because I was tired from helping fetch water. Now I can focus on my studies, and my teachers say I’m improving. I even have more time to read and do my homework after school,” he continued.

“I use my time to do more things I enjoy,” Daniel continued. “I help take care of the goats, and I also spend more time studying and playing with my friends. Sometimes, I help my mom with her vegetables, and it feels good to be useful at home. I like that I don’t have to spend all my energy on fetching water anymore.”

With newfound time and energy, Daniel can now dream big! 

“I want to be an engineer when I grow up! I want to design and build things that help people, like water systems, roads, or even machines for farming. Seeing this project work so well inspires me, and I hope to bring even more ideas to help my community. With clean water and more time to study, I know I can work hard and make my dream come true,” Daniel exclaimed.

How You Can Transform Lives in 2025

Monthly donors are the backbone of this transformation. Their consistent support ensures that water points like the one in Kalimbuli Community remain operational year after year. They provide the resources needed for regular monitoring, timely repairs, and community training — ensuring that safe water access is not just a one-time event, but a sustainable reality.

As you set your resolutions for 2025, consider making one that saves lives. By becoming a monthly donor, you can ensure that more children like Daniel have the chance to dream, learn, and build a better future by giving back their own ideas and talents — instead of wasting hours each day fetching water. 

Together, we can turn resolutions into realities for communities across sub-Saharan Africa. Join us in making 2025 a year of impact!

Home More Like This

---

Tweet