Families: 75

Water Committee: 5 men and 5 women

Malikebu has been home to its people since 1985. For decades, accessing water was a daily struggle. The nearest well was an hour and a half away, and a trip at 6 a.m. would only yield one bucket by 8 a.m. During the rainy season, they dug shallow wells to try to meet their needs, but the water was often unsafe, and diarrhea was common. Families visited the clinic three times a month, walking four kilometers each way, hoping to find relief.

The water scarcity affected every part of life. Women spent hours fetching water, and fights often broke out among them at the distant well. Men grew suspicious as their wives were gone so long, and families faced tension at home. Children were late to school or had to accompany their mothers to the water source. Gardening, farming, and household chores were nearly impossible, and hygiene was compromised; bathing, cooking, and cleaning were all limited by the availability of water.

Since the arrival of the new well, life in Malikebu has transformed. Families can now draw 4 or 5 buckets of water daily. Everyone bathes regularly, up to three times a day, and men and women alike have found peace in their homes. Women have forgiven past grievances, and gardens flourish where there once was only dust. With clean water available, families have started small businesses—selling tomatoes and donuts—to support school fees and other household needs.

School attendance has improved dramatically. Children now go to school on time, and absenteeism has dropped. With their basic needs met, students are dreaming bigger: some hope to become nurses, teachers, soldiers, or doctors. The community sings together in celebration: “Where was this good thing before?”, “There is happiness in our village.”,  and “Right here there is a blessing.”

“Water made it like we were living in slavery,” the villagers say. “Now, we can see the future and see the light.” Peace, opportunity, and hope have returned, and the people of Malikebu call their home a complete village for the first time in generations.