Jennifer Fetches Water with Peace in Her Heart!

Last year, your gift unlocked the potential for a brighter future for Jennifer. Since then, she and the Talamuti Community of 490 residents have had clean, reliable water. Your contribution has made a significant impact. Thank you for making a difference!

"What I'm most proud of is starting my own small farm and seeing it grow. Before, I couldn't manage it because of the time and sickness caused by dirty water. But this past year, with clean water, I have been able to grow vegetables, feed my family well, and even sell some at the market."

Before the Spring Protection

Like many women in Kenya, 60-year-old farmer Jennifer Khalayi is responsible for collecting water to meet her daily water needs. Before last year’s water intervention, this task consumed her time and had a negative impact on her and her family.

The spring before it was protected.

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 Jennifer, in particular, it reduced her ability to collect sufficient water to meet her needs and stay healthy.

"Before this spring was protected, getting clean water was a daily struggle. The water source was open and easily contaminated by animals, soil erosion, and even human activity nearby. We had to scoop water carefully to avoid the dirt at the bottom, but no matter how cautious we were, it was never truly safe," shared Jennifer.

"Before this spring was protected, life was full of fear. The water was dirty, open to animals and mud, but we had no other choice. My children often got sick, and I blamed myself for giving them water that wasn't safe. Fetching water was hard because you had to go early in the morning while still clean. The worst was the constant worry whether the water was clean and safe or not," Jennifer continued.

Since the Spring Protection

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

Jennifer at the protected spring.

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!"

"Now that the spring was protected, I fetch water with peace in my heart. The water is clean, it flows well, and I don't have to worry about my children falling sick anymore. I don't have to struggle or wait for long; I just come, fill my containers, and go. It's safe, it's easy. No more going to the neighborhood villages in search of clean water," Jennifer celebrated.

The Future is Looking Bright!

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

Jennifer with some of her produce.

"Since the spring was protected, my health has really improved. I used to feel tired and sick often, but now with clean water, I have more energy. My children are healthier too—no more constant stomach illnesses. With the time and strength I have gained, I have started growing vegetables near my home. Before, I couldn't manage that because all my time went to fetching water or caring for sick children. Now, I'm farming and even selling a little at the market," Jennifer declared.

Jennifer gives her cattle water.

"Having reliable Water this past year has changed my life. I started [a] small vegetable garden near my home, and now I sell Sukuma and tomatoes at the market. I have also been able to keep animals healthier because they have clean water every day. With the money I earn, I have bought school supplies for my children and even saved a little. This water didn't just bring health; it brought opportunity," she continued.

Jennifer has dreams for the future.

"My dream is to expand my farm and one day build a small shop where I can sell fresh produce. I also want to educate my children and give them a better life. With clean, reliable water, these dreams feel possible. I no longer spend hours looking for water. Now I have time, strength, and peace of mind to focus on my future," Jennifer celebrated.