A Year Later: Rowal Village

A year ago, generous donors helped build a well for the Rowal community in Sierra Leone. Because of these gifts and the contributions of our monthly donors, partners are able to visit project sites throughout the year, strengthening relationships with communities and evaluating the actual water project. These consistent visits allow us to learn vital lessons and hear amazing stories – we’re excited to share this one from our partner, Nanah Mansaray, with you.

Clean water has created many opportunities and changes flowing throughout the Rowal community. Mohamad Kargbo, an auditor in Rowal shares, "The biggest change that has happen in our community since this project was brought here is that our children always go to school on time and even our wives prepared food on time because they do not have to run down the stream to fetch water for cooking which can take a lot of time an energy because where the stream was too far from the village, but now they can easily walk few steps an access safe and pure water." Access to clean water unlocks time, energy, and health for new possibilities each and every day.

Yet, clean water is only one step in the process to improved health in a community. Mariatu’s Hope also trains community members in improved total hygiene and the importance of latrine access. Nanah Mansaray reports, "At the time of the baseline survey, not all houses had latrines. Now, they can boast of having latrines and also tippy taps set up to wash their hands. Before they never had anything like that."  However, all who were interviewed indicated that the community can still improve in the area of community hygiene and sanitation.

A little boy came to the well to fetch water during our visit.

Often the biggest impact with clean water occurs in the lives of girls who carry the burden of accessing water for school and family, and who can be quite vulnerable on the path fetching water.  In light of such threats and trials we rejoice when Aminata S. Kamara, age 18 and in the 9th grade, shares, "I started drinking clean and safe water which makes me so happy, and I stop going to school late. Even our mothers normally help in fetching water to prepare food because the pump is close to our houses."  Aminata now faces less risk getting water, has more time for her studies, and even received assistance from her family because of the proximity of the water to her home!

We are excited to stay in touch with Rowal community and report back with more positive stories because of the continuing presence Mariatu’s Hope has here.

The Water Project and our partners are committed to consistent monitoring of each water source. Our monitoring and evaluation program, made possible by monthly donors, allows us to visit communities up to 4 times a year. Read more about our program and how you can help.