A Year Later: Safer and Easier Access to Water!

Mariatu S, 11, recalled what life was like in the Masheka Community before her community well was rehabilitated last year.

"Today, I'm proud to thank you for having clean and safe water in this community. Before this time, it was difficult to fetch water, and I'm one of the children of my parents who were responsible for fetching water for drinking and domestic purposes. I was fetching water from a swamp source that was far away from our home. Sometimes, I was in fear of harmful animals, such as snakes or scorpions, on my way to fetch water. This caused me not to fetch the amount of water we needed at home to use," said Mariatu.

"Sometimes, the water tasted salty, and it caused my body to be itching after taking my bath. Also, to launder my uniform and read my school notes was difficult because of the tiredness of fetching water from the swamp. Sometimes, I was prone to waterborne diseases from drinking the swamp water, and I was taken to the hospital for medical treatment. The illness would cause me to be out of school for a few days," Mariatu continued.

Collecting water is much less strenuous and scary for Mariatu and the other community members in Masheka Community now.

"Since this water point was handed over to us, it has never been broken down or [had a] shortage of water in the well. The pump is in good working condition, and our parents are taking proper care of the well, such as cleaning [the] surrounding [area of] the water point. I'm no longer fetching water from the swamp. This water point has helped me to fetch water on time and launder my school uniforms. This water point has helped me not be in fear of harmful animals to fetch water because the water point is closer to our home," she added.

Having ready access to water from the well has made a difference for Mariatu, allowing her to easily collect enough water to meet her daily needs.

"This water point has helped reduce the contracting of waterborne diseases. Before, I had gotten sick twice a month from waterborne diseases, but now it has [been] a while without illness. I am always happy to fetch water because it is easy, and I have enough time to rest after fetching water to use at home. Thank you for this clean and safe drinking water point," concluded Mariatu.

Right now, there are others in neighboring communities that desperately need safe water access. Your support will immediately go to work to provide a clean water project - and we can't wait to introduce you to the next person you'll help.