Living Water

RWANDA – Kiruruma, Rweri, Rwamagana Province

GPS: 01 58.109 S, 030 17.710 E

It’s before dawn. A young boy wakes to go and gather water for his family. He walks two kilometers with empty containers dangling from his hands until he reaches a muddy creek. These containers will become a heavy burden on the long walk home, filled to overflowing with the water these people desperately need—the same water that makes them desperately sick.

“The water we used was very bad and our children get very tired going to find it,” said Jeaub Ndagijimana, a local farmer. “We now thank God for this clean water we get. You did a big job! We are very happy and we will take care of this water.” Everyone in Kiruruma echoed Jeaub’s enthuiasm. The community members even built a fence around the well to protect it, promising to take good care of the well—and themselves.