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: No More Purchasing Water!
Before we installed a rain tank at Kasyalani Mixed Day Secondary School, the students had to walk long distances to collect water and found their learning environment less than ideal. "The rampant water scarcity within the school caused a lot of issues. For instance, we had to walk about a kilometer to draw water from one of the community members,...
A Year Later: "I can smile and laugh."
Last year, Mwinami Spring was difficult to access safely and its water was contaminated, causing people to become ill with water-related illnesses. "Life has not been easy [for] me," said 13-year-old Vivian S. "I used to carry jerrycans for collecting water, [and the] drawing point [would be] full of water, which made it uneasy to access. Much tim...
A Year Later: Time to Read!
Last year, before we installed a rain tank at St. Elizabeth Shipala Primary School, students had to haul water to school with them, which left them exhausted and often late to school. "I used to waste a lot of time going to the pump, time that I could have used in studying," said 11-year-old Sharon W. But since we installed a rain tank right on s...
A Year Later: "Our families are now safe."
Last year, before Shango Spring was protected, accessing water was difficult for community members. No matter how hard they tried to implement solutions to their water problems, they were not working. But once we protected their spring, things changed for those living in the community, and their water access problems became a thing of the past. "...
A Year Later: Tree Nurseries and Vegetables!
Before a dug well was installed in Ngongo Community last year, people used to walk many kilometers to collect water from scoop holes in the dry river bed, leaving them drained. "I had to go fetch water for my family, but I returned home feeling exhausted due to the long distance and steep slopes under the burning sun," said 38-year-old farmer Titu...