A Year Later: Water Allows Improved Health and Academic Focus!

Vivian, 14, recalled what life was like at Mukhungula Primary School before her community's well was installed last year.

"I had a difficult time accessing clean and safe drinking water within the school premises. This led to reliance on potentially contaminated water sources, in this case, an unprotected spring or bringing water from home, which may not always have been feasible. As a student, fetching water from the unprotected spring required a lot of time and inconvenience," said Vivian.

"At the unprotected spring, other students or even myself would have had to compete with community members to access water. This competition led to conflicts and tensions, particularly in the dry seasons when water was limited or unreliable. There was no assurance that there would be enough water or that the quality would be safe to drink, even if we, the students, were able to get to a water source," continued Vivian.

Collecting water is now much more convenient and safer for Vivian and the other students at Mukhungula Primary School.

"Clean water eliminates the need for me to spend time fetching water from unreliable sources. This frees up time that can be used for studying, participating in extracurricular activities, or simply enjoying leisure time with my friends and family. My hygiene has improved greatly since access to clean water enables me to practice better hygiene habits, such as regular handwashing and bathing, which I remember [we] were taught during the hygiene training. This has improved overall health and reduced the risk of infections and diseases," said Vivian.

Having ready access to water from the well has made a difference for Vivian, allowing her time to improve her studies and enjoy life.

"Having more time available due to the reduced need for fetching water allows me to engage in several activities such as studying, relaxing, recharging, and participating in extracurricular activities, which contribute to my personal growth, well-being, and academic success. I have been doing well academically because, with access to clean water, I can focus more on my studies without the distraction of worrying about water scarcity or health issues," said Vivian.

"I hope to contribute to the betterment of people in my community by working on projects that address sustainable development, healthcare, education, and access to clean water. I want to help bring about constructive change and build a better future for everybody," Vivian concluded.

Vivian drinking clean water!

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.