A Year Later: Kasongha Community, 16 Komrabai Road

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to restore water to Kasongha Community in Sierra Leone. The contributions of incredible monthly donors and others giving directly to The Water Promise allow our local teams to visit project sites throughout the year, strengthening relationships with communities and evaluating the water project over time. These consistent visits allow us to learn vital lessons and hear amazing stories – and we’re excited to share this one from local team member Madieu Turay with you.

This reliable, clean water has unlocked so much potential in Kasongha Community. Not only do people have safe drinking water, but they now have the ability to use their water for cleaning. Hygiene and sanitation are better than ever, as each household has a latrine, clothesline, and dish rack. Students wash their school uniforms each day after school to keep clean. The community has also used this water to construct new buildings.

We spoke with Mr. Alusine Conteh and Foday Kamara about any other changes they've witnessed here.

Mr. Conteh says that there has been a "slow down in waterborne diseases," and that people are practicing what they learned during hygiene and sanitation training last year.

Mr. Alusine Conteh stands proudly in front of his community's well.

Rehabilitation of the well is only one step along the journey toward sustainable access to clean water. The Water Project is committed to consistent monitoring of each water source. Our monitoring and evaluation program, made possible by donors like you, allows us to maintain our relationships with communities by visiting up to 4 times each year to ensure that the water points are safe and reliable.

This is just one of the many ways that we monitor projects and communicate with you. Additionally, you can always check the functionality status and our project map to see how all of our water points are performing, based on our consistent monitoring data.

One project is just a drop in the bucket towards ending the global water crisis, but the ripple effects of this project are truly astounding. This well in Kasongha is changing many lives.

This water has given Foday Kamara, age 25, the opportunity to finish secondary school.

"My life has completely changed because of this water well that is dug closer to my house. It prevents me from going to school late," Foday said.

From left to right: Foday Kamara, Mr. Alusine Conteh, and Madieu Turay

"There is much more improvement and motivation for my education. It has created enough room for my study time, especially in this time of preparation for the big exams."

This is only possible because of the web of support and trust built between The Water Project, our local teams, the community, and you. We are excited to stay in touch with this community and support their journey with safe water.

Read more about The Water Promise and how you can help.