By: Mariska Meldrum
A few months ago, 12-year-old Jonathan had no water to drink three days a week. In his remote village in Simanjiro, Tanzania, fetching water meant enduring a dangerous four-hour trek – often encountering wild animals along the way.
Today, that story has completely changed. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Australian listeners on Water for Life Day, Jonathan and 2,000 people in his village now have access to clean, safe drinking water every single day!
Bringing clean water to this drought-prone region was no small feat. Because there was no natural underground water source nearby, Convoy of Hope worked alongside the local community to lay 8.5 kilometres of piping across rugged rural terrain.
To power the system, a brand-new solar-powered pump was installed, capable of delivering up to 10,000 litres of clean water every hour.
Joel A’Bell, National Director of Convoy of Hope Australia and New Zealand, recently visited Simanjiro to witness firsthand the life-changing impact of your gifts.
“Last time I was in Simanjiro, I met Jonathan and other children who didn’t have water to drink every day,” Joel shared. “The kids were lethargic and exhausted from a lack of water.”
“Returning to Simanjiro this time, I was greeted by energetic, smiling children who not only have plenty of water to drink, but can easily take it home to their families.”
“Jonathan seemed like a completely different child. He proudly told us that he no longer misses school to collect water, and he just achieved the second-highest grades in his entire year level!”
Clean water is just the beginning of what your support has unlocked for Simanjiro. Children are no longer getting sick from waterborne diseases. Convoy of Hope’s children’s feeding program has been able to begin – providing children with a nutritious breakfast and lunch. With water available for irrigation, a garden with vegetables and avocado trees has just been planted.”
Convoy of Hope will remain alongside the people of Simanjiro, offering ongoing agricultural training and women’s empowerment programs until the entire community thrives independently.
The incredible breakthrough in Simanjiro is only the start. There’s a list of other villages set to receive clean, safe water next!
As a faith-based organisation serving vulnerable communities worldwide, Convoy of Hope partners with local churches, businesses, and organisations to bring help and hope. Since 1994, Convoy of Hope has reached over 200 million people in more than 125 countries. To learn more visit convoyofhope.org.au
Article supplied with thanks to Convoy of Hope
Mariska Meldrum, Water for Life Day Campaign Manager
Feature image: Supplied
