Mariama Has More Time to Study!

Last year, your gift unlocked the potential for a brighter future for Mariama. Since then, she and the Masanneh Community of 263 residents have had clean, reliable water. Your contribution has made a significant impact. Thank you for making a difference!

"Ever since this well was rehabilitated, I am no longer going to the swamp to fetch water. Water is always available in large quantities, unlike [in] the past when it used to get broken down or dry," said Mariama.

Before the Well Rehabilitation

Like many in Sierra Leone, 17-year-old Mariama is responsible for collecting water to meet daily water needs. Before last year’s water intervention, this task stole her time and negatively affected her.

Where community members previously collected water.

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 Mariama, it lessened her opportunity to attend school regularly.

"Last year, it was not easy for me to fetch water because of the water situation. This well frequently broke down and was seasonal. This situation made me visit the swamp to fetch water. It was a challenge due to [the] walking distance and poor state of the water," said Mariama.

Since the Well Rehabilitation

Your generous gift last year was much more than a simple donation; it was a powerful statement about your commitment to this community and Mariama’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!"

"There are times I even go to school late since I must fill empty drums in the morning hours. All this affected me in the past. Now I spend less time fetching water and have ample time to go to school and study my notes," Mariama said.

The Future is Looking Bright!

A year ago, you made a difference for Mariama and 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 system hardware, monitor water availability, conduct sanitary inspections, and collect water-quality samples to identify risks. We work with our on-the-ground team to resolve them.

You gave Mariama 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.

"I have improved in my performance in class. I am now rated among the five best students in my class," Mariama noted.

Mariama has big dreams for the future, and with more time to study now, she is well on her way to achieving them.

"I want to be a lawyer when I grow up," she bravely shared.