Voices from the Ground: The Impact of Clean Water
In February 2025, our team visited Griftu, a rural town in Wajir County, to engage with the local community on the critical issue of clean water access. With waterborne diseases on the rise and limited access to safe drinking water, this initiative focused on sensitizing residents and implementing purification measures.
Chlorinating Wells, Changing Lives
One of the first actions taken during our visit was the chlorination of public wells. This low-cost, high-impact method immediately improved water quality, reducing the risk of diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.
"Before this, our children often fell sick. Now, we feel safer letting them drink from the community wells." — Fatuma Abdi, Resident of Griftu
Our health outreach sessions also provided practical demonstrations on water purification techniques for households — including boiling, solar disinfection, and proper storage to avoid recontamination.
Community Sensitization: Knowledge as Prevention
Education plays a vital role in public health. Through workshops and focus group discussions, we raised awareness about the importance of water hygiene, handwashing, and sanitation practices. Community health volunteers were trained to continue spreading these messages long after our visit.
"Now we understand how to protect our families. It starts with clean water, but also how we handle and store it." — Ahmed Noor, Local Teacher
Listening to Local Voices
Our engagement prioritized listening — allowing community members to voice their challenges and hopes. From long distances traveled to fetch water to the burden of frequent illness, their stories underscored the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
"We walk kilometers just to get water. We need closer sources and permanent solutions." — Habiba Ibrahim, Youth Representative
Ongoing Impact and the Road Ahead
The impact of clean water access goes beyond health — it frees up time for education, improves productivity, and uplifts entire communities. Moving forward, we aim to strengthen local capacity, support the construction of boreholes, and scale up hygiene education in Wajir and beyond.
We are deeply grateful to the people of Griftu for their openness and participation. Their resilience inspires our continued commitment to improving water access across marginalized regions.
Photo Highlights
Clean water is a right, not a privilege. Together with local communities, we can turn that vision into a reality. One well, one family, one village at a time.