A Year Later: At the top of the class!

Before we protected Manasses Spring in Emusaka Community last year, people were constantly getting sick, and they spent much of their time waiting in lines at the water point.

"We used to waste a lot of time waiting for that huge crowd to subside before we could get water for domestic purposes," said 14-year-old George. "Sometimes we were forced to walk long distances to look for other alternative sources just to avoid the crowds, but that also didn't solve our problems, but rather brought more harm than good. Waterborne diseases were the order of the day in my family and the community at large."

But now, the community's water is both convenient and safe to drink.

"Getting water from this water point is so enjoyable since it's accessible and no more overcrowding is experienced," George continued. "It also gives me ample time to do my studies and help my parents in one way or another. An added bonus is that I have yet to be hospitalized for any water-related disease."

Clean water has transformed the lives of the people in Emusaka.

"First of all, I would like to extend my gratitude to you and everyone that made the idea of the water point a reality," George concluded. "This water source has been a total blessing, not only to my life, but practically to everyone in our village. Personally, through it, I have experienced a drastic improvement [in] my grades which has seen me achieve my dream of topping the class."

George.