Stories from the Field

Water doesn't change anything. People Do.

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.




See the Impact of Clean Water - Rehabilitated Well Gives Osman Back His Time!

Rehabilitated Well Gives Osman Back His Time!

Osman, 16, recalled what life was like in the Mapeh Community before his community's well was rehabilitated last year. "I am a student. Before, we usually got water from the swamp. Early in the morning, at about 6 am, we rushed to the swamp to fetch before going to school. The distance to the swamp is about one mile, which took us almost an hour...

See the Impact of Clean Water - Water makes chores easier for Aminata!

Water makes chores easier for Aminata!

Fifty-nine-year-old Aminata Sesay recalled what life was like in the Mountain Community before her community's well was implemented last year. "Initially, it was not easy for me to fetch water for use at home since we [did] not have a water well. We depended on the swamp water source, which is prone to contamination. Even to fetch drinking water...

See the Impact of Clean Water - Safe Water Consumption for Lynn!

Safe Water Consumption for Lynn!

Lynn Imbote, 22, recalled what life was like in the Shiyenga Community before her community's spring was protected last year. "Water contamination was just too much since the spring was just open. Children would play in the water, and animals would step [in] and defecate in the spring. This made me and my family members fall sick most times," Ly...

See the Impact of Clean Water - Fewer Educational Roadblocks for Benard!

Fewer Educational Roadblocks for Benard!

Benard, 16, recalled what life was like in the Mwitsai Community before his community's spring was protected last year. "Getting water was a struggle and [a] very tedious process. I could get to the spring and find the water dirty. That [was] time [away] from school, tired and with assignments to do. This forced me to waste more time waiting for...

See the Impact of Clean Water - Positive Impacts for 9-Year-Old Brison!

Positive Impacts for 9-Year-Old Brison!

Brison, 9, recalled what life was like in the Kafusi Community before his community's spring was protected last year. "It was so hard and risky for kids like me. We were not trusted to fetch water for drinking then. Whenever we came for water here, it was mainly meant for washing clothes [and] utensils or for taking baths. I used to hate coming ...