As we work to provide water, we're committed to helping people like you meet your global neighbors and to realize that we all share the same basic needs. We hope to break down stereotypes and the false distinctions between the so-called winners and losers, rich and poor, the needy and charitable, by introducing you to the people we serve with the respect and admiration they rightfully deserve.
These are stories of hope, told in the words of those who carry out this work every day - our friends in the field.
A Year Later: Joy in collecting water!
Last year Mwinami Spring provided water for community members of Shianda but was difficult to access safely, and it was contaminated, causing people to become ill with water-related illnesses. "Life has not been easy to me," said 13-year-old Vivian S. "I used to carry jerricans for collecting water [and the] drawing point [was] full of water which...
A Year Later: Time to Read!
Last year, before we installed a rain tank at St. Elizabeth Shipala Primary School, students had to haul water to school with them, which left them exhausted and often late to school. "I used to waste a lot of time going to the pump, time that I could have used in studying," said 11-year-old Sharon W. But since we installed a rain tank right on s...
A Year Later: "Our families are now safe."
Last year, before Shango Spring was protected, accessing water was difficult for community members. No matter how hard they tried to implement solutions to their water problems, they were not working. But once we protected their spring, things changed for those living in the community, and their water access problems became a thing of the past. "...
A Year Later: Tree Nurseries and Vegetables!
Before a dug well was installed in Ngongo Community last year, people used to walk many kilometers to collect water from scoop holes in the dry river bed, leaving them drained. "I had to go fetch water for my family, but I returned home feeling exhausted due to the long distance and steep slopes under the burning sun," said 38-year-old farmer Titu...
A Year Later: Improved Academic Performance!
Before we helped build a sand dam in Ngongo Community last year, people used to walk many kilometers to collect water from scoop holes in the dry river bed, leaving them exhausted. "In the past, I had to walk about up the steep hills carrying water from the distant water point because we are required to carry water to school each morning. This exe...