A Year Later: Time to Learn New Skills!

Before we protected the spring in Shivakala, the water was both difficult to collect and open to contamination. People spent a long time standing in line because filling a container took so long - then, once they got the water home, it would often make them sick.

"I could waste most of my time queuing at the water point, denying me time to get back home on time so as to be able to help my guardian with house chores," said 13-year-old Blessing A.

"We could line up for a long time, and this could cause conflicts amongst ourselves," said farmer Alex Lihanda, who serves as the spring's caretaker.

But since we protected the spring, water flows freely from the three discharge pipes, making water-fetching easier and quicker.

"Now, I can help them with house chores," Blessing continued. "[Before,] I could only help with water-collecting, hence [I have created a] good relationship with [my guardian]. I am now concentrating much [more] on my studies, unlike before where I could not. I could be beaten up at home after wasting time queuing at the water point."

The new free time has opened life up so Blessing and Alex can spend their time doing other productive things.

"I have learned new skills," Blessing said. "For example, cooking for the entire family after school. [This] will help me in future days."

"[I am] always saving time, thus enabling me [to] carry on with my garden works," Alex said. "I now take good care of my animals, and now they are in good health, unlike before. [I am] planning to begin a business that will be enabling me [to] generate income for my family. I have created good relationships with my fellow village members, as I am the one taking good care of the water source for them."

Blessing, left, and Alex, right, stand at the spring.