"I am now [a] peaceful child."

James, 12, recalled what life was like in the Muhoni Community before his community's spring was protected last year.

"It was not easy because many of us could gather at the open water, scramble for access, contaminating the water more. A fight even used to arise amongst us children due to this and would escalate into enmity between our parents," said James.

Collecting water is now much easier for James and the other community members in Muhoni.

"We have experienced a lot of peace within the community since this waterpoint was protected. We no longer fight to access water since it flows freely and fast. Everyone can access it easily and within a short time. I am able to fetch water in a short span of time [and] then play with my friends or fetch firewood for my parents from [the] Malava forest that is near my home. I enjoy the escapades due to enough available time," continued James.

Having ready access to water from the spring has made a difference for James, allowing him to have sufficient time for other essential things.

James collecting water.

"I am now [a] peaceful child. I used to engage so much in the fights at the water point before it was protected. I used to feel that other children could wait, but not me. Balancing between play time and study time was hard back then, but as for now, I am able to achieve that due to good time management brought by water availability," concluded James.