Stories from the Field

Water doesn't change anything. People Do.

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.




See the Impact of Clean Water - A Year Later: Accessible Water Allows Time to Study and Rest!

A Year Later: Accessible Water Allows Time to Study and Rest!

Tabitha, 13, recalled what life was like in the Makioni Community before her community's sand dam was installed last year. "Fetching water was a difficult and tiresome ordeal because I had to spend most of [my] time fetching water. For instance, during holidays, weekends, after classes, or any time that I was not in school. The water point was a...

See the Impact of Clean Water - A Year Later: Adequate Food and Clean Water Helps Build a Brighter Future!

A Year Later: Adequate Food and Clean Water Helps Build a Brighter Future!

Fifty-one-year-old farmer Fatuma Musili recalled what life was like in the Makioni Community before her community's hand-dug well was installed last year. "Getting water before the project was completed was a challenging task because I had to wake up early to fetch water from the distant, shallow well or scoop hole. I would spend about two hours...

See the Impact of Clean Water - A Year Later: Fresh, Clean Water for Drinking!

A Year Later: Fresh, Clean Water for Drinking!

Diclaner, 15, recalled what life was like at the Kiviu Secondary School before his school's rainwater tank was implemented last year. "We had experienced various problems related to water scarcity issues because [of] an insufficient water storage system in the school. Therefore, we did not have enough water for drinking, and meals would delay be...

See the Impact of Clean Water - A Year Later: Time for Learning!

A Year Later: Time for Learning!

Thirty-five-year-old teacher Emily Mwende recalled what life was like at the Winzyeii Secondary School before the school's rain tank was implemented last year. "Although we had tanks in the school, they could not hold enough water to sustain us during the entire drought period. We had to purchase water, which was very expensive and drained the s...

See the Impact of Clean Water - A Year Later: More Time for What Matters!

A Year Later: More Time for What Matters!

Leyon, 17, recalled what life was like in the Indangalasia Secondary School before her community’s well was installed last year. "Drawing water from [the neighboring] primary school was not easy because of overcrowding from primary school students. We had to waste a lot of time waiting for them to fetch water first. In addition, carrying water...