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.
Kasekini Community
"Getting water was a whole day affair. We would walk for more than 4Km with mum using donkeys while looking for water along rivers in river scoop holes or at water Kiosks at Mwanzilu market. Water from the scoop holes was never clean. Sometimes it could be colored, which exposed us to possible waterborne diseases," 10-year-old Mueni M said. "Getti...
Kasekini Community
"It was not easy getting water in our community. We would travel for more than [2 miles] in search of river scoop holes, which would at times be crowded with many people waiting. This really delayed the wait, taking a lot of time to draw water and travel back home. The water was never safe for human consumption because of the open nature of the wat...
Mukuku Community
"Life was very hard before the implementation of this project. We did not have water nearby, and our hills were arid. People would have to dig very deep scoop holes to get water, and this was very strenuous for us," explained Erick Mutiso. "Now, our livelihoods have really improved. More personal development projects have been implemented than bef...
Mukuku Community
"Before this project was completed, life was very hard. We had to fetch water very far from our homes at the mountain tops. Accessing water was very difficult as we had to walk with jerrycans of water descending and ascending the tough terrains. I would really strain. No other activities would be carried out in a day as I would return home very wor...
Mbiuni Community
"We used to walk for very long distances to fetch water. We had no donkey at home, so we had to borrow from a neighbor to ferry the jerrycans back home. There were many complaints of water-related diseases such as stomach aches and diarrhea. This would often lead to absenteeism from school," said 15-year-old Maondo K. "Getting water from this wate...