A Year Later: Time to Study and Dream!

Nine-year-old Wayne recalled what life was like in the Shihome Community before his community's spring was protected last year.

"The spring was dirty, broken, and lacked stairs for accessibility. Accessibility was difficult; water was escaping through [the] walls. It was difficult to fetch water barefoot because the collection [area] was damaged. I used to fetch water after school, which limited my playtime," said Wayne.

Collecting water is now safer and less time-consuming for Wayne and the other community members in Shihome.

"Since I spend little time [at the] spring, [I] am able to have enough time to wash my uniforms midweek and do homework. [I] am no longer worried about safety because the spring is well-fetched, constructed, and very clean," continued Wayne.

Wayne collecting water.

Having ready access to water from the spring has made a difference for Wayne, allowing him to focus on his present education and dream about the future.

"In the last exam, I performed well, exceeding the expectations in our practical exams. I hope [at] one time I will be a water engineer. I [go to] school at Shihome Primary, and I marveled [at] the kind of machine that drilled our borehole," concluded Wayne.

Wayne.