Families: 30
Water committee: 4 men and 6 women

The arrival of the water well has changed life in the village in ways that no one could have imagined. Before the well, water was scarce and hard to come by. “We used to fetch water from a stream that often dried up. When that happened, we had to dig into the ground just to find a few drops,” one of the women shared. Early mornings were filled with digging, waiting, and carrying water—precious hours spent just to gather enough to survive.

Cholera was everywhere. It felt like there was always someone sick, someone going to the clinic. In three years, fifteen people lost their lives to cholera and other waterborne diseases. Trips to the clinic five kilometers away became a regular part of life, draining their money and strength.

Now, with the well, everything has changed. Cholera has disappeared, and trips to the clinic have stopped. The people are healthy, their days are free, and the impact on their lives is visible in every corner of the village. “Now we have time to spend with our families,” a woman explained, smiling. They have gardens full of maize, tomatoes, and okra, which means they no longer need to go to the market for food. Many families even grow enough to sell, contributing their earnings to help maintain the well.

For the children, the well has been nothing short of a miracle. School attendance is up, with girls leading the way. “My kids go to school every day now,” said Rafael, the vice-chair of the well committee. “Since the borehole came, you won’t find a single child at home.” And the girls in the village have dreams they’re eager to chase. Ruth, an 8-year-old in Standard 2, loves learning Chichewa and hopes to become a soldier one day. Fourteen-year-old Sylvia, who helps her family at home, dreams of being a doctor.

Today, there is time for family, health, and hope. The village is thriving, and the well stands as a reminder of how far they’ve come.