Stories from the Field
As we work to provide water, we're committed to helping people like you meet your global neighbors and to realize that we all share the same basic needs. We hope to break down stereotypes and the false distinctions between the so-called winners and losers, rich and poor, the needy and charitable, by introducing you to the people we serve with the respect and admiration they rightfully deserve.
These are stories of hope, told in the words of those who carry out this work every day - our friends in the field.
A Year Later: "Water-related infections are now a thing of the past."
Before we installed a rain tank at Ivola Primary School, students had to leave school grounds multiple times a day to fetch water just so that the school could continue functioning. "Students used to walk out of the school compound to fetch water for use in school," said 14-year-old Eperphroditus. "Water collection was carried out in the morning,...
A Year Later: "I am just happy."
Before we protected the spring in Shianda, fetching water for community members was an arduous, time-consuming task. First, they would have to wait in line. Then, when it was their turn, they had to stand on slippery rocks placed in the water, scooping water from the surface and pouring it into their jugs. This painstaking process was meant to keep...
A Year Later: Better Hygiene, Better Health
Before we protected the spring in Mundoli last year, collecting water from the stream was an arduous task that took up a lot of time. Community members would try to scoop water into their jugs and jerrycans as carefully as they could so dirt and sediment wouldn't contaminate their water. All this effort served to make the water clearer and easier t...
A Year Later: Extra Money for School Fees - A Better Future Ahead!
Last year, life in Mukangu was more difficult for everyone. Their spring was unprotected, exposing everyone to water-related diseases. And for kids like Derick, actually collecting the water was an everyday stressor that involved a lot of wasted time. "Getting water here before [the] protection of the spring was very hard, especially [for] kids li...
A Year Later: Trusted Water Throughout the School Calendar
Last year, students at Friends Mudindi Village Primary School spent more time fetching water than in class. "Water shortage was a great challenge in our school," said 10-year-old Ive M. "Every day, in the morning, break time, and evening, we used to take time to go fetch water out of the school compound. We used to scramble for the commodity, as w...