Today, PACT led us to five different sites, each offering a unique perspective on the challenges faced by local communities. Jeffrey, the founder of PACT, has remarkable insight and ambition. Remarkably organized, he has a broad world view and is able to articulate the challenges his country is facing in a very accessible manner.

 

Our first stop was Ewasnsamba, where we talked with Benedicto and several mothers. The community was actively involved in planting grasses to combat erosion around the well and erecting a protective fence.

 

 

 

 

 

Having the community contribute with “sweat equity” is key to Water to Thrive’s success.  It is only when a community feels they are invested in the well site that they take true ownership.  This is key for sustainability.

Water Challenges Continue

Despite having a new well, accessing clean water remains a struggle. It struck me hard to learn that even those who gave birth at the clinic had to trek 2 kilometers to fetch water from a distant well for their own birthing sessions.  The stark reality of their living conditions, with dirty clothes, mud floors, and uncertain meals, is unfathomable from the vantage point of my middle-class American life. Before to visiting the well, we stopped by the prior water collection site, a stagnant pond infested with mosquitoes. Despite the presence of a nearby stream, the community resorted to the pond due to contamination fears from upstream human defecation.

A Bright Light

Esther, a bright young girl, spoke English and shared her aspirations. She walked roughly 5 kilometers to attend primary school, driven by a determination to learn despite the absence of nearby educational facilities. Esther dreams of becoming a lawyer or a doctor but faces insurmountable barriers in accessing secondary education.

The absence of a school in her village, compounded by governmental funding constraints, deprives countless children of even a basic education. This systemic failure traps communities in poverty, casting a long shadow over their prospects.

In the face of such adversity, Esther’s experience stands as an amazing accomplishment. Her determination underscores the urgent need for systemic change and renewed commitment to equitable education access. Esther’s story reminds me of the transformative power of education and its role in breaking the cycle of generational poverty.

Working for a Better Life

Water is the cornerstone of success for these communities and a building block to a better future. Through initiatives with partners like PACT, Water to Thrive strives to empower communities to build brighter futures. As I reflect on our day, the stories and struggles of those we met fuel my commitment to advocate for change and work towards a more equitable world.