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 Time to Read!
We asked 15-year-old Christine N. how difficult it was to collect water before we protected Misiko Spring last year. "We used to fetch water with bowls, but we had to take turns, as the person who fetched before you would always dirtify the water," said Christine. But things have changed for Christine and others in the community of Malekha. "Get...
A Year Later: "Cleanest Boy in My Class"
Henry S., 9, said, "Initially, fetching water from this spring was very dangerous. This is because the spring was so deep with a lot of water, which can even lead to death for the children like me. Additionally, my mother used to be sick because of drinking contaminated water, and it really affected me because I used to miss school to look after my...
A Year Later: Students Have Time to Focus on Studies!
Before we installed a rain tank at Emachina Primary School last year, the water situation was challenging to say the least. Students relied on a community well that was overcrowded and far from the school. A year ago, we spoke to teacher Wycliffe Shikwati, who said, "Sometimes pupils are forced to miss lessons at the expense of looking for water, ...
A Year Later: From Hating Water to Enjoying It
"We used to waste time to get water that was not clean, in fact from a trench. We always suffered from typhoid and never enjoyed drinking water," said Florence Otipa, a 53-year-old farmer and chairperson of the water user committee. But since protecting Wambani Spring last year in her community of Musango, life has improved for Florence. "I am ha...
A Year Later: Irrigation and Ideas!
When we recently spoke to 46-year-old health teacher Maximilla Pamba, she said, "Students used to carry water from home, which was so time-wasting, and also the water source was not known." But things have changed since we installed a rain tank at Mungabira Primary School last year. "It [is] easier to get access to water being on the school compo...