A Year Later: "I can help my community."

Before we installed a sand dam and shallow well in Nzimba last year, community members had to walk ludicrous distances to reach the nearest water source.

“In the past, I had to walk about ten kilometers to acquire water from the nearest water point, because we are required to carry water to school each morning," said 16-year-old Katiwa C. "This exercise was exhausting and time-consuming, leaving me with little time to focus on my academic studies or playing with my friends. Conducting personal hygiene and sanitation was a luxury and occasional ordeal because water had to be used sparingly at home."

But now that there's a water point much closer to people on Katiwa's side of Nzimba, everyone has more time and energy for things they actually choose to do.

“The installed water point is easily accessible, and I spend no more than 15 minutes fetching water," Katiwa said. "I get more time to concentrate on my academic studies and playing with my friends. The shallow well offers clean water for drinking and cooking; thus, meals are prepared on time at home. Unlike the open scoop holes, the shallow well’s clean water is free from animal, wind, and human contamination because it is protected. Thus, I am no longer exposed to water-related infections (such as typhoid and amoeba).”

All this spare time has allowed Katiwa to start dreaming of her future, which looks much brighter than it did a year ago.

“My academic performance has improved because I do not have to walk several kilometers searching for water and get more [time] to study and play," Katiwa said. "Better academic performance will enable [me] to access better career opportunities in [the] future so that I can help my community as well. My personal hygiene and sanitation have also improved, enabling me to be comfortable and attentive in class.”

Katiwa at the well.