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: "Worry Does Not Engulf Me Anymore."
"The exercise of getting water from this spring [was] tedious, and the water itself was contaminated. The animals used to share with us the water since it was open," said Peter S., 14, when describing Shisambula Spring before protecting it last year. Since we protected the water source for Shitirira community, Peter and his fellow community member...
A Year Later: Time Saved for School!
Gladwell, age 10, described Vuyanzi Spring before it was protected last year. "It was dirty and had very many plants, algae, and moss in the water. It had insects in the water, too," said Gladwell. But since the spring was protected, she and other community members have seen a difference. "[The] water is clean and it flows on a pipe that makes i...
A Year Later: Gardening Project Relieves Financial Burdens!
Student Sarah Khavakali, 21, shared what Musa Mmasi Shikwe Spring was like before it was protected last year. "Initially, it was an open place [where] one could even fall in the water. Also, droppings of birds and animals could be seen in the water and later [during] use. Also, [the] collection was not that easy, sometimes leading to collecting di...
A Year Later: Garden Helps with School Fees!
Esther Akasa, a 19-year-old in Bukhakunga, shared what life was like before the community's spring was protected last year. "It was so hectic getting water, especially being the firstborn child in my family. I could go a long distance to collect water to be used by my family in activities such as cooking [and] drinking among many more since my sibl...
A Year Later: School Fees? No Problem!
Before Matiang'i Spring was protected last year, the people of Mwitwa spent a lot of time every day sourcing clean water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and irrigation. "We had tough times searching for clean water because this [spring] was not safe for drinking," said 10-year-old Maxwel. "We could waste a lot of time on the roads, making it dif...