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Hope, after a lifetime of suffering
43% of children in Sub-Saharan Africa do not have safe, accessible drinking water.
64% of children in Sub-Saharan Africa do not have adequate sanitation. (UNICEF)
Noizak (68 yrs) and her friends - filled with wisdom that only comes after a lifetime of suffering.
Their feet tell the tale of many journeys taken over the years, walking thousands of miles over hills and through valleys to funerals, friends, towns and to collect water.
Their conversation then turns to Joint Aid Management’s (JAM) drilling rig, enthusiastically sharing their thoughts. Nofusile never thought she would see the day that they would have clean, safe water close by. These lifelong friends have been collecting water for years from the same filthy spring miles away, just like their mothers did. Thankfully, Nolesson says her children and grandchildren will be the first generation in the history of this area to have the privilege of drinking and using, clean, safe water. JAM made this dream come true through the drilling of a water well in the area.
By supplying clean, safe water to hundreds of households in the area, JAM is improving the people’s health; uplifting their lifestyle and helping them live sustainable lives through self-help farming practices. Children will no longer suffer from severe headaches, fever, dehydration and death that accompany water-borne diseases like cholera and diarrhea. Many children, especially young girls, have also been harassed by criminals in the community whilst collecting water. During dry seasons, children wait in long lines for their turn at the spring, only to return home after dark.
Notusile is looking forward not having to walk for 3 miles, up to 3 times a day to collect water. Noizak says now she will not have to worry about her knees, that are often afflicted by pain, when collecting water miles away. Nomtandazo is also happy about the shorter distance, since she has been struggling with arthritis for many years. Nolesson is looking forward to spending more time at home and less time walking to collect water for cooking, washing and other domestic uses. |
