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: More Studying and Farming!
When we spoke to Gladys Achieng last year, she shared that she had to walk miles in search of clean and safe water. "We used to waste time queuing and taking dirty water at the same time," said Gladys. But now that the spring has been protected, Gladys has regained her valuable time since water is always accessible. With her regained time, she pl...
A Year Later: "No more fear when fetching water"
When we first visited Shianda Community, Akhonya Spring was bushy and overgrown, which was not only inconvenient, but posed other potential dangers every time someone came to fetch water. "Before the completion of the protected spring, the place was bushy and risky because snakes could bite you when drawing water," said Lucy Kharati, a 34-year-old...
A Year Later: "No hassles, no inconveniences!"
Before we protected the spring in Shikokhwe last year, collecting water was a time-consuming and sometimes frustrating task. And once they had the water, it often made community members sick. "We used to use jugs and bowls to scoop water from the pool that we had created here," explained Imelda Nashimiyu, a 39-year-old farmer and businesswoman fro...
A Year Later: Clean Water, Any Time!
Before Mukunga Spring was protected last year, Mwera community was plagued by water-related diseases. When it rained, the water would become cloudy and brown with dirt, leaving people without access to water at all. "Before the completion of the protected spring, when it rained, we could not get water from the spring because the water [would] beco...
A Year Later: Ample Time to Do Homework!
Before we protected Musotsi Spring in Shibikhwa Community last year, people had to collect water at all hours of the day, trying to avoid the long lines of people that would accumulate during peak hours. The high traffic at the spring would stir up dirt from the bottom of the spring, which would make the water unusable for those who missed out on c...