A Year Later: "This is really a blessing to me."

Fifteen-year-old Mariatu recalled what life was like in the Bomp Bana Community before her community’s well was installed last year.

“Fetching water in the community was not easy for me since we did not have [a] water well, so I must fetch water from the swamp. This situation prevented me from fetching water on time. Most of the time, I went late to school due to the distance. Even to launder my school uniforms was a problem,” said Mariatu.

Collecting water is now simple and quick for Mariatu.

“Presently, I don’t walk [a] far distance to fetch water from the swamp as the well is close to my house. Also, I am now punctual in school because I can fetch water in the morning hours on time,” continued Mariatu.

Having ready access to clean water from the well has made a difference, allowing Mariatu to take care of her chores, attend school, and still have time to help her mother.

"I am now able to launder my school uniforms, go to school on time, and focus on my studies. This is really a blessing to me. Then, I can also fetch enough water to water the plants in my mother’s garden," Mariatu concluded.

Mariatu watering her mother's garden.