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: 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...
A Year Later: More Time to Play!
Sam M., 10, shared, “I used to walk to the water source to fetch water for use, and I would stay there for [a] very long [time] due to the long queues. I would be punished every now and then because of getting back home late. During the driest months, the water would dry up completely, and we could no longer get water to fetch.” But since a sa...
A Year Later: Less Illness, More Time to Study!
Dennis K., an 18-year-old student at Mutwaathi Secondary School, shared, "Before the construction of this water point, we encountered a myriad of water shortage issues. For instance, our school's environment had few trees or flowers because we lacked sufficient water to irrigate them. Our classes, dormitories, and washrooms also suffered from poor ...