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: "Learning is now fun!"
"Before the project, life was really tough," said 12-year-old Irene A. "Every morning, I had to come [to school] with my 20-liter water container full of water. Then, later in the evening, [I had to] go to the river again to get more water to be used for cleaning purposes. This really made me dread waking up every morning for school." A year ago, ...
A Year Later: "Life has greatly changed."
Before we installed a rain tank at Kikumuni Boys Secondary School, both students and teachers experienced hardships due to water scarcity, from water-related illnesses to unclean environments. “Initially, we experienced a lot of challenges pertaining [to] water," said 18-year-old student, Willy N. "Drinking water was not always available. Also ...
A Year Later: "I have achieved a lot."
Before Kwa Witinga Spring was protected last year, collecting water was challenging. "I had the fear of going to the water point alone because the environment surrounding the spring was with huge trees and a lot of bushes," said 10-year-old Deogracious. "Also, I was always forced to wait so that adults can fetch water first. This wasted my time an...
A Year Later: More Studying and Farming!
When we spoke to Gladys Achieng last year, she shared that she had to walk miles in search of clean and safe water. "We used to waste time queuing and taking dirty water at the same time," said Gladys. But now that the spring has been protected, Gladys has regained her valuable time since water is always accessible. With her regained time, she pl...
A Year Later: "No more fear when fetching water"
When we first visited Shianda Community, Akhonya Spring was bushy and overgrown, which was not only inconvenient, but posed other potential dangers every time someone came to fetch water. "Before the completion of the protected spring, the place was bushy and risky because snakes could bite you when drawing water," said Lucy Kharati, a 34-year-old...