Last year, your gift unlocked the potential for a brighter future for Bob. Since then, he and the Lukala Community of 336 residents have had clean, reliable water. Your contribution has made a significant impact. Thank you for making a difference!
"I'm now healthier than before. I no longer suffer from stomach bugs. Clean water has really transformed my life," said 13-year-old Bob.
Like many children in Kenya, Bob is responsible for collecting water to meet his and his family’s daily water needs. Before the water intervention last year, that task stole his time, negatively affected his health, and caused him to miss out on educational opportunities.
"I never liked going to the old water point to collect water due to overcrowding and the stagnant water. I would miss school due to illnesses related to the contaminated water. There was a time [when] I missed two weeks of school due to a stomach bug. This happened when I was preparing for end-term exams, it really affected my performance; my grades dropped," said Bob.
Drinking the water caused severe consequences. Many in his community suffered from waterborne diseases that created health problems, affecting their daily lives. The spring's limited accessibility also meant people wasted time trying to collect sufficient water to meet their needs. The difficult journey to collect water sapped their physical and emotional energy.
"Standing in a pool of dirty water used to make me shiver with fear, because I couldn't tell whether there were snakes underneath! Competition for water made me lose valuable time that I would have used to study," said Bob.
Your generous gift last year was much more than a simple donation; it was a powerful statement about your commitment to this community and Bob’s future. By supporting the water solution, you made clean water an everyday reality for him, fostering hope for a brighter future.
"The water is clean and easy to access. The fear of snakes underneath the accumulated water in the collection area is now gone and it takes a very short time to fill up my container," shared Bob.
"I am now sure that the water I use every day is safe and clean. I'm able to wash my hands more frequently, [and] bathe twice a day without worrying about the source of the water I use. I was among those who helped with the process of soap making, and the knowledge I acquired is valuable to my family because we can now make our soap at home," continued Bob.
Reliable and clean water lays the groundwork for improved health, education, and economic possibilities, allowing people like Bob to thrive. We frequently hear from those we interview that "water is life!"
A year ago, you made a difference for Bob and the rest of his community. This is just the first chapter of their story as access to clean water continues to improve their lives!
At The Water Project, we value sustainability and want to ensure that people continue to thrive. We commit to monitoring this project to ensure the water is always flowing and safe to consume. We inspect the system hardware, track water availability, conduct sanitary inspections, and collect water quality samples to identify risks. We work with our team on the ground to resolve them.
You gave Bob a crucial tool for achieving his dreams: access to clean water. Together, we can excitedly expect that with this precious resource, his enthusiasm and courage will help him fulfill his dreams.
"I was in primary school before [the] implementation of this project. I managed to get admission to Junior High School and I'm absolutely delighted with my performance. I can't wait to join [the] senior school. I have dedicated a lot of time to my studies and [I] help with household chores whenever I'm free," Bob shared.
"I would like to become a civil engineer and help improve the road network in my community," concluded Bob.