Proud To Have A Small Part Changing Lives In The C.A.R.
It was my fourth time to Africa, but my first time to the Central African Republic with Water for Good. Even with my prior experience in the continent, I didn’t know what to expect. The Central African Republic ranks as the most impoverished country in the world according to UN statistics, coming in at 180 of 180. With seeing these statistics coming to life with my own eyes, my preconceptions quickly dissipated.
Upon arrival, our first stop was lunch at the Water for Good office in Bangui. We felt very welcomed and appreciated as it was clear that a lot of care went into preparing for our visit. As we spoke with the staff, you could sense their pride in working for an organization that is literally saving lives in their villages and their country.
A few days later, we went to Kpakpa to shadow the crew repairing a well which had been broken for months. Although the village had access to another pump, it wasn’t sufficient enough to cover the numbers in the community. When we arrived, they were incredibly hospitable, offering bananas, coffee, and freshly fried makala (like a donut) at the roadside coffee stand. We found the people in the CAR to be warm, friendly, and kind.
After an hour and a half of pulling out the pump and replacing the broken parts, Macaire (lead maintenance) started to pump the pedal on the well. It took a couple of minutes but then water began to gush!! The sound of the village raising their voices in cheers and dance in that instant will be something I will never forget! Macaire then raised his hands to the sky, looked up and stood triumphantly over that well, knowing the water would change and save lives. Our team felt the power of that moment. There wasn’t a dry eye among us.
We witnessed the importance of clean water to the lives of the people in that village and the value of a maintenance plan, so people never have to go without water again. Did you know that without maintenance, 60% of water projects fail?
Drilling is only a part of the solution to the water crisis. Water for Good executes on a full plan that drills, maintains, and sustains water…for good. I am proud to have a small part in this work that cares for the people in the poorest country in the world.
– Valerie Mowery
Water For Good Board Member
This year, we have set a goal to drill 80 new wells that will end water poverty for an estimated 16,000 people.
We would love for you to be a part of those clean water moments!
Please pray and consider donating today.
