Bernedetta Gains Pride in Her Accomplishments!

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

"I can’t describe the relief! Fetching water from the implemented project is so much easier and faster. The water is cleaner, and I no longer have to wake up before dawn. I can walk to the well with peace in my heart, knowing there will be enough for my family and me."

Before the Sand Dam Installation

Like many women in Southeast Kenya, 69-year-old Bernedetta Mwikali is responsible for collecting water to meet her and her family's daily water needs. Before last year’s water intervention, this task stole her time and negatively affected her.

A community member at the previous river water source.

Limited accessibility 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 Bernadetta, in particular, it lessened her opportunity to farm.

"It was exhausting and heartbreaking! Every day felt like a battle. We used to wake up so early—at 4 am for those of us far from the river—just to secure a little water from the scoop holes at Ndalani River. If we got there late, the water would already be gone, and we’d have to sit and wait for hours for it to collect again. The queues were long, and tempers often flared because everyone was desperate. And even after all that, the water wasn’t clean—animals would defecate nearby, and the water often made us sick. Life back then was full of struggle and frustration," shared Bernedetta.

Since the Sand Dam 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 Bernedetta’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’ve accomplished so much! With reliable water, I started a small vegetable farm, and it’s been thriving. I’ve been able to grow kale and tomatoes, which we eat at home. I’ve had more time to spend with my family instead of walking for hours every day to fetch water. It feels amazing to be productive and provide for my family in this way. The water from the sand dam has made my vegetable farm possible. Before, I couldn’t even think about farming because there wasn’t enough water for irrigation. Now, I can water my crops consistently, and they grow healthy and strong. It’s a source of pride for me and helping me support my family," said Bernedetta.

The Future is Looking Bright!

A year ago, you made a difference for Bernedetta 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 Bernedetta 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 her fulfill her dreams.

"My dream is to expand my farm and improve my livestock’s health and yield. With more water, I can plant more crops, rear healthier animals, and even start selling milk or meat in larger quantities. I want to build a better life for my family and ensure my children have opportunities that I didn’t. Access to water has already made such a big difference, and I know it will help me achieve my dreams. It’s like having a key to unlock a brighter future!" exclaimed Bernedetta.