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: Relationships improved between students and teachers!
Last year before a new well was installed at Siekuti Primary School, students had to carry water to school and still leave their school campus to collect more during the day since they would run out. It meant children were exhausted and spent time away from classes instead of learning. "We brought water from home for school use," said 14-year-ol...
A Year Later: "No more conflicts among us!"
Last year before Shaka spring was protected, the community members living in Chepkuony had difficulty safely and quickly collecting water. They had to be careful on the muddy, narrow paths so they wouldn't slip and fall as they approached the water point, and they wasted their valuable time scooping water up little by little since the spring was s...
A Year Later: Access to water for drinking and medical care!
"It was always hard for us to access water. Our lives together with our children were always at risk because we had to cross the road to get water from the other end, which also a long distance [away]," said 34-year-old Kanipha Wesonga, who serves as a community health volunteer. But since a well was installed last year, things have been differe...
A Year Later: "I can see and feel a new life."
Before the spring was protected in Kalenda last year, the process of collecting water for community members was tedious and slow. "The entire water source was open for waste products. We had no access point; thus [it was] difficult to collect water," said 12-year-old Collins M. Collins shared that he often used a cup to collect water and woul...
A Year Later: “This water point enables easy access to clean water."
The water situation at Mbondoni Secondary School was almost unbearable for students before we implemented a rainwater catchment system last year. “The immense water scarcity caused a lot of issues, thanks to the hot and dry climate. For instance, meals could sometimes delay, and conducting personal hygiene was difficult because there was no wa...