Clean water gives village a fresh start
20 February 2017
Magret's story
Magret and her children used to walk all day to collect water.
“We were forced to walk long distances to fetch water and would end up travelling home in the dark,” she says.
“It was difficult to earn money. My children, especially my girls, were always absent from school to help me fetch enough water for the family.
“The water we collected was contaminated with animal faeces as the river passed through many villages before reaching us. It was dirty and often made us sick. Our water crisis locked us in a cycle of poverty.”
Access to clean water through The Salvation Army’s Malawi Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH) project changed everything for Magret and her family.
The WASH project promotes the use of community committees as key sanitation advocates and agents for improved hygiene practices.
“I am so happy with the WASH project because, as women, we are recognised and coming together to address our water needs,” she says.
“This project has breathed a new lease of life in my community. It has reduced the psychological stress for me and my girls, as issues of menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth can now be managed discreetly.
“We are now safe from dangers that lurk in the darkness at night and the health of our families has improved.”
Magret is thankful for the commitment The Salvation Army has shown her community.
“We thank God for the WASH project and The Salvation Army,” she says. “With water nearby, our future looks bright.”
Magret's story is typical of many women in Sub-Saharan African countries, such as Kenya and Tanzania.