Families: 35
Water Committee: 4 men and 6 women

Mizanje Village is celebrating its first-ever borehole, a life-changing milestone for families who once relied on a shallow, hand-dug well just one meter deep and 700 meters away. That water source often dried up, forcing villagers to dig deeper into the riverbed—especially in October—to reach contaminated water shared with animals.

For years, cholera and diarrhea were constant threats. Eleven villagers lost their lives, and families traveled to the clinic at least once a month, paying MK 1,750 during the day and MK 3,000 at night for transport. Since the borehole was installed four months ago, everything has changed.

“Every year we had cholera. Now, not one person has been sick in four months.”

The money once spent on clinic visits is now used to purchase food during the famine. Domestic violence—fueled by stress, long waits for water, and sickness—has ended, and families say harmony has returned to their homes.

Before the borehole, families collected only 1–2 buckets of water per day. Today they easily collect 4, 7, or more buckets, with one woman saying she “can’t even count” how many she gathers now. Children and the elderly can fetch water themselves because the well is close and safe.

With reliable water, families grow tomatoes, pumpkin leaves, and maize in their free time. Although harvests were poor this season, the savings from avoided clinic trips allowed families to buy food and make it through.

School attendance has also improved. Children previously missed class due to illness or going without bathing. Attendance has risen from 40% to 60%, with the biggest increase among girls.

The people of Mizanje say their future is “bright and big” — and they closed with this joyful affirmation:

“This organization is #1. There is not even a #2. Let’s give them fire!”