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: Time for Football and Studying!
We asked Bradley, 10, what it was like for him to collect water from Sayia Spring in Makhwabuyu before it was protected last year. "I used to hate it because it was difficult to scoop water from this water point. The place used to be bushy and that used to scare me at times. Its protection has brought so much light to this place," said Bradley. S...
A Year Later: Quick Water Access Means Less Conflict!
Last year, before Peter Yakhama Spring was protected in Mukhonje, community members found it difficult to access sufficient water efficiently. Impatience at the water point sparked arguments amongst community members, and everyone was anxious for a solution. Jeremiah M., 13, shared, "[I] used to take a lot of time fetching water at the water point...
A Year Later: Growing Crops in the Dry Season!
"I used to move long distances to the open hole to fetch water. It was a tiresome process, as I had to fetch [water] several times [a day]," said 14-year-old Ester N., as she recalled what life was like before a well was installed in her community last year. She continued, "The water would be colored sometimes. The crowd at the open hole was big, ...
A Year Later: Ingenious Water Use Leads to Food!
Barack J., 13, recalled what life was like for him before his community's spring was protected last year. "I remember I could not drink directly from the source because of the conditions of where we used to fetch water from. I had to use a cup and during the heavy rainy seasons, I had to go boil water at home. Sometimes it became a challenge due to...
A Year Later: Improved Hygiene and Shorter Distances
Farmer Betty Bahemurwaki, 34, shared what life was like before her community had a new well installed last year. She said, "It was hard to get clean water for drinking because I had to move long distances in order to fetch clean water." But now that Betty and her fellow community members have access to the well, they can access clean water for al...