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: "We are living in a good life..."
Nbalu B., 10, recalled what life was like in Menika before her community's well was installed last year. "In the past, the road to the sea was very far, which we covered to fetch water. We walked to the sea to launder our clothes, and sometimes, we would see a snake or other animal along the road. We sometimes [were] late to school on time becau...
A Year Later: Safe Water Closer to Home!
Fatmata Bangura, 18, recalled what life was like in Benkia Community before her community's well was rehabilitated last year. "It was not easy for me in [the] past because of the water situation. I found it very difficult to fetch water as our community [did] not [have a] functional well. I [had to] go to the swamp to fetch water. As a result, t...
A Year Later: "The Water is Available All the Time!"
Mutimba Hezron, 50, recalled what life was like in Lukova Primary School before his school's well was installed last year. "Pupils used to get water from unknown sources. The water wasn't clean, thus causing diarrhea and other water-related diseases among teachers and pupils. A lot of time would be wasted fetching water at the protected spring. ...
A Year Later: "It is safe to use this waterpoint..."
Mawia N., 14, recalled what life was like in Kanyoeni before her community’s well was implemented last year. "I used to struggle a lot to acquire water for drinking, cooking, bathing or even washing clothes because fetching water would take about 4 hours daily. Carrying jerrycans of water back home was very exhausting and I had little time to ...
A Year Later: "This waterpoint offers enough clean water."
Farmer and chairman of the water committee Mutua Musyemi, 48, recalled what life was like in Kanyoeni before his community’s sand dam was implemented last year. "Life in the past was difficult because [of the] semi-arid nature of our area. My wife and older children had to walk for about 2km (over a mile) to Thua River to draw water from the o...