Families: 40
Water Committee: 4 men and 6 women

For as long as anyone can remember, Chamba Village struggled for water. Families walked to the river behind the hill, digging during the dry season and drinking unsafe water during the rains. A single trip could take from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m., and fights over water were frequent—sometimes fierce enough that Elena Stefani, known for her strength, earned the respect of the whole village. “Without strength, you cannot get water,” the villagers would say. Men often went without bathing and families suffered from suspicion, arguments, and even divorce. Mishek Nyozie, whose wife left him and took their children due to the long hours spent fetching water, is now reunited with his family—all because clean water finally came to Chamba.

The arrival of the first borehole has transformed daily life. Women no longer spend hours at the river, men and children can bathe three times a day, and domestic tension has disappeared. Families now have the time and energy to farm, cook, and care for their children. School attendance has improved dramatically, especially for girls, with hygiene and performance rising across the village. Sarah James, a member of the water committee, proudly reports that all three of her children now attend school on time, clean and ready to learn.

Elena Stefani reflects on the change: “We shared water with goats and cows and got sick all the time. Now, there is peace, our families are healthy, and we are hoping for a big change.”

With leadership from their newly elected women and the confidence built through community training, the Chamba water committee is caring for the well and ensuring that this source of safe water continues to bring health, stability, and hope to the village for generations to come.