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: "I am grateful."
Before this pump was rehabilitated, community members in New London had a hard time getting any water. "It was very difficult because the pump was very difficult to pump," 17-year-old Christian explained. "Sometimes you [would] have to pump more than 100 strokes before water [would] come out, and because of that many people were not coming to this...
A Year Later: Water Yields Academic Opportunities!
Boniface M. is an 18-year-old student at Kaketi Secondary School. When asked about the school's water challenges before a rain tank was installed last year he was open about the challenges they faced on a daily basis. He said, "Initially, the school experienced a lot of water scarcity challenges. The water in the storage tanks barely lasted the sc...
A Year Later: A Thriving Farm with Cattle-Rearing!
Before the sand dam and shallow well were constructed in Gideon's community, life was difficult. Since we spoke to him last year when the projects were completed, his life has improved dramatically. "We experienced water scarcity because this is area is semi-arid and the nearby rivers are seasonal," Gideon explained. "We used to walk over five kil...
A Year Later: Improved Grades and Food Security!
We asked 11-year-old David what the water situation in his community was like before the installation of their community's sand dam and well. He said: "I had to help in fetching water for the household; thus, I could walk up to two kilometers to fetch water and come back home. Due to the water scarcity, water was used sparingly at home, which nega...
A Year Later: Greater Farming Opportunities!
James Muoki is a 32-year-old farmer in Yumbani and shared what it was like before a hand-dug well was constructed in his community last year. “It was very difficult to get water before. We had to dig very deep scoop holes to fetch water for drinking, household chores, farming, and for our livestock activities. There were very long queues at water...