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: No More Sleepless Nights!
"It was like hell for me living in this community," said Hasfatu, a 45-year-old housewife, speaking of the time before we rehabilitated Masoila community's well last year. Masoila's well would dry out for several months out of each year, making life a challenge for those responsible for fetching water there - the women and children. "That was the...
A Year Later: No More Absenteeism!
Before Shianda Community's spring was protected, its people had to wait for the sediment stirred up from the bottom of the spring to clear each time they filled their jerrycans to avoid drinking dirty water. "Accessing water was really a big problem," said Sheila M., 14. "[I] spent so much time collecting water, which was not really easy, as I wai...
A Year Later: "It's Like Magic."
We asked 13-year-old student Muuo to tell us about his life before we completed the construction of the sand dam and shallow well in his community. “Before the construction of this project, life was very hard," said Muuo. "We used to get water from very far [away] and the water was not very safe for drinking. We did not have enough water for mai...
A Year Later: Improved Food Security!
Bonface Kilonzo, a 22-year-old farmer, shared what life was like before a sand dam was installed in his community last year. “Water scarcity in this area was extremely rampant and forced us to walk several kilometers to purchase water from the distant borehole, which was mostly overcrowded and could dry up during the long drought periods. The acq...
A Year Later: A Healthier Lifestyle!
Munyao M., 15, shared the challenges he faced before we installed Thona community's well last year. “I had to walk several kilometers in search of water after classes daily and arrived home late in the evening. This left me [with] negligible time and energy to focus on my studies, thus leading to poor grades," said Munyao. Not only did Munyao's...