"I feel hopeful and confident about our future!"

Last year, your gift unlocked the potential for a brighter future for Rose. Since then, she and the Ngutho Community of 1,200 residents have had clean, reliable water. Your contribution has made a significant impact. Thank you for making a difference!

"I like fetching water here because it is nearby, clean, and reliable!" declared Rose.

Before the Sand Dam Installation

Like many women in Southeastern Kenya, 32-year-old Rose Mwengi is responsible for collecting water to meet her family's daily water needs. Before last year’s water intervention, this task stole her time and negatively affected her.

Previous water source.

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 Rose, it lessened her opportunity to accomplish her daily tasks.

"We did not have enough water for farming, drinking, cooking, or even maintaining proper hygiene at home. The shallow well we depended on could not serve everyone, and during the drought seasons, it became overcrowded and unreliable. Some people, including myself, sometimes had to use contaminated water from Ndalani earthdam, which was unsafe and made us worry about diseases. Our animals also suffered because the water was too little, and our farms produced very poor yields, leaving us with very low income," Rose recalled.

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 Rose’s future. By supporting the water solution, you made clean water an everyday reality, fostering hope for a brighter future.

Rose (red head scarf) on the dam wall using the attached well.

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 no longer waste hours walking long distances or standing in long queues. The water is safe for drinking and household use, and I feel proud knowing that our community finally has a dependable source. It gives me peace of mind and makes daily life much easier," celebrated Rose.

"The best thing is the health and comfort it brings. Clean water means fewer illnesses, more time for work, and a more dignified life. My family can drink and cook safely, our home stays clean, and I no longer worry about my children suffering from water-related diseases," continued Rose.

The Future is Looking Bright!

A year ago, you made a difference for Rose 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.

Rose pumps water at the well attached to the sand dam.

You gave Rose 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 Rose fulfill her dreams.

"In the past year, I have managed to plant vegetables in my small garden, something that was impossible before. My family’s hygiene has improved a lot because we have enough water for washing, cleaning, and handwashing. The reliable water has also supported our group activities, like soap-making and maintaining clean compounds," Rose said.

"My dream is to expand my vegetable garden into a small business and continue improving my family’s life. I also hope to keep my children in school without struggling with fees. Access to water makes these dreams easier because I can farm, save time, earn some income, and maintain good health," Rose continued.

"I am most proud that my family no longer suffers the stress of water scarcity. My children are healthier, our home is cleaner, and I have been able to start growing vegetables. For the first time, I feel hopeful and confident about our future," Rose declared.

Community gardens made possible through water access.