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: More Sleep at Night!
Life in Rotain village was not easy for community members living without sufficient, safe water before we rehabilitated their well last year. "I was not feeling good going down [to] the swamp every morning to fetch water," said Fatmata K., 14. Now that community members have their own well close by and do not have to rely on the dirty swamp water...
A Year Later: Enough Water for Irrigation!
Fifteen-year-old Hosea K., a student at Kalisasi Secondary School, shared the challenges he and his classmates faced without sufficient water before we installed a large rain tank at their school last year. "We previously experienced a lot of water shortage, which hindered us from cleaning our classrooms and latrines. The latrines emitted foul sme...
A Year Later: Time for Football and Studying!
We asked Bradley, 10, what it was like for him to collect water from Sayia Spring in Makhwabuyu before it was protected last year. "I used to hate it because it was difficult to scoop water from this water point. The place used to be bushy and that used to scare me at times. Its protection has brought so much light to this place," said Bradley. S...
A Year Later: Quick Water Access Means Less Conflict!
Last year, before Peter Yakhama Spring was protected in Mukhonje, community members found it difficult to access sufficient water efficiently. Impatience at the water point sparked arguments amongst community members, and everyone was anxious for a solution. Jeremiah M., 13, shared, "[I] used to take a lot of time fetching water at the water point...
A Year Later: Growing Crops in the Dry Season!
"I used to move long distances to the open hole to fetch water. It was a tiresome process, as I had to fetch [water] several times [a day]," said 14-year-old Ester N., as she recalled what life was like before a well was installed in her community last year. She continued, "The water would be colored sometimes. The crowd at the open hole was big, ...