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: Improved Health and More Time!
Before the new protected spring was installed, life in Mukhweso Community was difficult. Community members would waste a significant amount of time scooping water. "It was difficult because the environment of the water was not suitable," said Helen Kweyu, 37, who is chairperson of the Mukheso water user committee. The last year has made a dramat...
A Year Later: Clean Water and Happy Ducks!
Before the water point was completed a year ago Marthan O. found collecting water to be a challenge. "It was difficult bending to fetch water," said 13-year-old Marthan. "Sometimes, you could fall into [the] water and have to wait 'til it was clean, which was time-consuming." But now, "It's very easy to get water since there is no bending. I can g...
A Year Later: Student Grows Vegetables to Fund Studies!
Tabitha C., a 17-year-old student in the community, shared her previous struggles before the protected water point. "We could struggle with elderly people at the water point because they would not allow us to draw water before them." Tabitha went on to share how life has been different for her and other community members over the past year. "There...
A Year Later: Dorcas Has Time to Read!
Dorcas N., 13, described her challenges using the previously unprotected spring. "It used to be survival for the fittest, especially when we would be sent from school to come and fetch water from this spring. With community members and us at the spring, drawing water from [the] unprotected source only meant contaminating the water more when fightin...
A Year Later: Water Access Makes Life Better!
Martha N., 14, shared what it was like collecting water before the spring was protected. "It was too hard to access the water when it rained. The place was steep and slippery, which was risky to the community members [who] could fall down after collecting water from the spring." Now that she has spent the last year enjoying the protected spring, s...