Clean Water Gave Mutano Peace of Mind!

Last year, your gift unlocked the potential for a brighter future for Mutano. Since then, she and the Ithambangwao Community of 2,500 residents have had clean, reliable water. Your contribution has made a significant impact. Thank you for making a difference!

"The best thing is the peace of mind it brings. I don’t have to worry about the struggle of water from far away to drink or use. I also love how much easier it is to keep our home clean and take care of the trees we’ve planted."

Before the Well Installation

Like many in Kenya, 14-year-old Mutano is responsible for collecting water to meet her daily water needs. Before last year’s water intervention, this task stole her time and negatively affected her.

Community member collecting water from the distant well before the dug well was implemented.

Drinking the water caused severe consequences. Many in the community suffered from waterborne diseases that created health problems, affecting their daily lives. Limited accessibility also meant people wasted time collecting sufficient water to meet their needs. The difficult journey to collect water sapped their physical and emotional energy, creating roadblocks. For Mutano, in particular, it was a devastating experience that stole her peace and interrupted her ability to go to school. She had to travel over two miles every day to collect water before this dug well was implemented.

"Fetching water before this project was built was a difficult and scary experience, especially for me as a child. After school, I would have to rush home, quickly change out of my uniform, and start the long journey to the unprotected dug well with my mother. The road to the well was dusty, and during the dry seasons, the dust would rise in clouds, making it hard to breathe," she said.

"When we reached the well, there was often a long line of people waiting to draw water. Standing there in the evening, watching the sunset, and knowing we still had a long way to go was exhausting and frustrating. If the well ran low, we had to wait even longer, and by the time we got home, I was too tired to do anything else," she continued.

Since the Well Installation

Your generous gift last year was much more than a simple donation; it was a powerful statement about your commitment to this community and Mutano’s future. By supporting the water solution, you made clean water an everyday reality, fostering hope for a brighter future.

Reliable and clean water lays the groundwork for improved health, education, and economic possibilities, allowing people to thrive. We frequently hear from those we interview that "water is life!"

"I like that the waterpoint is so close to our home now. I don’t have to walk long distances or carry heavy jerrycans for hours. The water is clean, and I can fetch it quickly, which means I have more time to spend on other things like my schoolwork," Mutano shared.

"Since the project was completed, I’ve noticed that my family doesn’t get sick as often. Before, the water we fetched wasn’t clean, and we used to get stomachaches and other illnesses. Now, with clean water, we are healthier and feel much stronger. I drink water whenever I feel thirsty because it is readily available," she continued.

Mutano added, "I don’t worry about safety anymore. The waterpoint is so close to our home that I can fetch water even during the evening without feeling scared. Before, walking far in the dark felt dangerous, but now I feel safe."

The Future is Looking Bright!

A year ago, you made a difference for Mutano and the rest of her 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 Mutano a crucial tool for achieving her dreams: access to clean water. Together, we can excitedly expect that with this precious resource, her enthusiasm and courage will help fulfill dreams.

"I’ve been doing much better in school because I have more time and energy to study. Before, I would come home tired after fetching water, and it was hard to concentrate. Now, I can focus on my schoolwork, and my grades have improved," Mutano said.

"I dream of becoming a doctor in the future. Having access to clean water makes it easier for me to focus on my education and stay healthy. I believe that with clean water and the time I have now, I can work hard and achieve my goal," Mutano concluded.

Mutano.