A Year Later: A Thriving Self-Help Group!

Before we rehabilitated the well in Byerima Kyakabasarah, getting water for the 900 people who lived here was a constant struggle.

13-year-old Flavia shared how difficult life was for her last year. "This borehole would over-break, and we had to walk over two kilometers away to collect water from Byerima Primary School, where we would meet with other children who would beat us and even take away our jerrycans. When [I] returned home, my mother would beat me for being careless and delaying at the water point. I really hated that experience."

But since we helped rehabilitate her local well last year, things have improved for Flavia.

"I now have enough time to rest and concentrate on other activities, as compared to before, since the borehole is even nearer to home," Flavia said. "I can collect water at any time I feel like. This water point has saved me from coming late [to] school. [I] am now able to concentrate while at school, and [I] am always smart since I have enough time and water to bathe and wash my uniforms in time."

Maintaining the well has also become easier for the adults in the community, which means life in Byerima should get better as time goes on.

"Getting water from this water point is no longer a challenge as compared to before because we now save towards its operation and maintenance," said 62-year-old Jennifer Wandera, who serves as the treasurer in the community's thriving self-help group. "This has enabled us to service it on [a] quarterly basis, and we no longer experience frequent breakdowns as before. The environment around the water point is clean and well-maintained, and I feel good each time I go to collect water. I really thank [you] for [the] intervention in this community."

"The self-help group that was formed in this village has brought unity within the village, and people always use [our] savings meeting as an avenue to resolve conflicts and unite the members," Jennifer continued.

"With the soap-making training that we received, we are able to sell the soap, and this has boosted our economic status, sanitation, and hygienic conditions of the people. We are also able to borrow small loans from our savings group at reduced interest rates, as compared to before when financial institutions would take over our assets and properties due to the high-interest rates imposed on us when getting loans from them," concluded Jennifer.

Flavia stands next to the well.