Stories from the Field
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.
Munenga Community, Burudi Spring
"Before the spring was protected, we used to fetch water using a jug or bowl - something which was very hard - and the water used to be dirty. Whenever someone fetched water, we were forced to wait for some time for it to settle down; then you could fetch. Children, on the other hand, used to come here and at times, those little kids defecated dire...
Emukoyani Community, Ombalasi Spring
"We used to fetch water using a jug because the spring was not protected. The water would get dirty, especially when it rained. Getting water was generally hard, time-wasting, and also we were not always sure of the water's safety we were drinking. You would get people lining up at the water point waiting for the water, and animals used to drink di...
Tulimani Community
"In the past, I was never involved in the water fetching process. Mum would walk to the river source at Tyaa river using donkeys and bring water for us at home, sometimes she would take long at the source, and available water at home was never enough for all our water needs. Sometimes she would buy water from Tuktuk and donkey vendors who delivered...
Tulimani Community
"Getting water for household use was always a major household task for most community members in this locality. Water was obtained more than 3 kilometers (2 miles) away in river scoop holes. The water point was always crowded full of people search for water, the long queues were tedious, and sometimes it could take more than 2 hours waiting. The wa...
Eshiakhulo Community, Kweyu Spring
"Before the spring was protected, the situation was bad. The water was very dirty. This caused crowding so that we would fetch in turns, causing delays. The water also made us suffer from typhoid and amoeba, making it expensive to treat." "Now, the water is clean and safe. The population of water users increased as nearby springs are not yet prote...