A year ago, your gift unlocked potential for Godfrey and the rest of the Miramura Community.
Our Field Officer Bena Kabiri asked Godfrey what life was like before his community's well was installed. "Godfrey said that they used to face a challenge of long distances. They would use bicycles to collect water and sometimes even get [in] accidents on the way. They would ride on busy roads used by sugarcane trucks; this would put their lives at risk. He further explained that in their home, it was only boys who fetched water since the waterpoint was far [away], and they had to ride bicycles. He said he would always go to bed tired and wake up in the morning when he is too fatigued, yet he had to be at school on time."
Collecting water is now safer and less tiresome for Godfrey and the other community members in the Miramura Community.
"[Godfrey] said that the waterpoint is very near their home, just 20 meters. He says he can fetch water at any time, even when he needs drinking water, he can just get a cup and draw from the waterpoint. They also save a lot of time because they no longer move long distances, so he has enough time to commit to school activities. The pressure of looking for water [has been] reduced, and they always have adequate water. [Their] hygiene has improved," continued Bena.
Having ready access to water from the well has made a difference for Godfrey. It allows him to put time into things that will improve his life, such as school. Godfrey no longer feels the incredible burden of collecting water alone.
"Godfrey further explained that it is no longer [the] boys alone [who] fetch water in their home; even his sisters fetch it since the waterpoint is near. There has been a lot of improvement in their way of living because they eat food on time, [are] able to wash clothes and bathe every day, improving [their] sanitation and hygiene," Bena concluded.
Godfrey pumping water.