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A Bridge to Peace

Mkinga, Tanzania
Mkinga, Tanzania
Posted December 11th, 2018 by Megan Staub.

When water is scarce, it can become just one more reason for neighbors to fight. In Mkinga, Tanzania, the lack of water simply escalated existing tensions between neighbors of different faiths, and it was common for arguments to break out. But now that safe water flows freely from Water Mission tap stands throughout the community, neighbors are coming together in peace and unity. They have friendly conversations as they collect the day’s water, not conflict. “The best part is that this village no longer argues over water,” 30-year-old Rachel Poul told us. “The tap has brought a certain unity to us.” The tangible gift ... Read More

Safe Water Through a Child’s Eyes: Magdelena’s Story

Magdelena Poul
Magdelena Poul
Posted November 20th, 2018 by Megan Staub.

“It was a torture-like feeling.” That’s how 11-year-old Magdelena Poul described her long, terrifying trek to collect water for her family in rural Mkinga, Tanzania. Sometimes they could afford to purchase the day’s water from a water truck. But the rest of the time, it was up to Magdelena or her mother, Rachel, to walk anywhere from two to eight miles to gather the water. “It was scary to be out alone,” Magdelena said. “We used to walk two or three kilometers each way to get water, and sometimes that source was dry, so we had to keep going another two or three ... Read More

The High Cost of Dirty Water: Rachel’s Story

Rachel draws safe water from Mkinga's tap
Rachel draws safe water from Mkinga's tap
Posted November 8th, 2018 by Megan Staub.

Water is a basic human need. But for 30-year-old Rachel Poul, it was an expensive one. In the rural community of Mkinga, Tanzania, Rachel had just two options to get water for her family: She could walk at least two miles to collect water that was obviously dirty and then boil it at home, or she could buy pricey water from a water truck. She tried both. But even when she bought the water, with hopes of protecting her family from miserable waterborne diseases, they still got sick. The expensive water was clear — but contaminated. So, Rachel combined her options. She bought ... Read More

Safe Water for All: Empowering Refugees & Communities in Tanzania

Safe Water for All
Safe Water for All
Posted October 29th, 2018 by Water Mission.

Facing violent political unrest and economic decline, hundreds of thousands of Burundians have fled to Tanzania, a neighboring country in East Africa. The recent influx of refugees has overwhelmed the area’s already insufficient resources. An unfortunate consequence of Tanzania’s support of refugees has been animosity from nearby indigenous communities. While life in the camps is difficult, refugees are provided basic access to shelter, water, food, medicine, and education. Tanzanians residing nearby are often living in worse conditions than the refugees. Additionally, the cost of living for locals has increased as aid organizations consume significant quantities of staple products, driving prices up ... Read More

Indonesia Update: Collaboration in Disaster Response

Disaster relief in Indonesia
Disaster relief in Indonesia
Posted October 25th, 2018 by Water Mission.

As news of the earthquake and resulting tsunami in Indonesia spread around the world, Water Mission had already begun to evaluate what resources were available and how to respond most effectively. According to a recent UNICEF report, the combined disasters that hit the island of Sulawesi on September 28 tragically killed more than 2,000 people and affected nearly 2,000,000. By God’s grace, we are well-positioned to help meet the urgent need for safe water in the aftermath. Water Mission has a long-standing country program in Indonesia, with three local offices and a talented team of 20 that is experienced in ... Read More

Hope and Healing in Uganda 

Molly and George Greene III at St. Francis Hospital
Molly and George Greene III at St. Francis Hospital
Posted October 23rd, 2018 by Water Mission.

This past June, co-founders Molly and George Greene III traveled with a team of Water Mission friends and partners to see the impact of safe water projects in Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania. Following is Molly’s account of one memorable experience.  In 2014, Molly Greene greets children who have recently gained access to life-changing safe water at St. Francis Hospital. It’s been four years since supporters of Water Mission provided safe water to St. Francis Hospital in Buluba. We visited this rural community in eastern Uganda this summer, and the community’s enthusiasm for safe water was obvious as we were greeted with overflowing joy and warmth. The hospital was founded in 1934 by a mission-minded nun determined to ... Read More