A Year Later: "I now have time to play with my peers."

"Initially, accessing this spring was hectic," shared eight-year-old Bramwel when describing what collecting water from Savai Spring was like before its protection last year.

"I did fear coming alone to the spring as its environs were wanting. I used to accompany my peers as they were my source of courage. Nights were a no-go zone for the spring users," Bramwel said.

But now, things are different for Bramwel and the others in his community of Bumira when accessing the spring.

"Currently, the spring is easily accessible to all members at any given time. The bushes surrounding the spring have been cleared. I can now walk to the spring on my own to fetch water and come back home carrying water safely for my mum to use to wash my clothes and those [of] my siblings," shared Bramwel.

"I now have time to play with my peers without any pressure from home. Initially, most of our time was spent fetching water for use back at home," concluded Bramwel.

Bramwel collecting water from the spring.