Kaiyeye's dirty water source

Demonstrating how easy it is is to operate new hand pump.

Woman happily lifts up filled water container.

Drinking water without fear of getting sick.

Village expresses their thanks.

Dusty terrain wraps itself around and through the village of Kaiyeye. A few scattered trees dot the otherwise dusty landscape. Separated from the rest of the world, Kaiyeye’s farmers have been living a hard existence. They and the rest of the village of 1,500 have drawn water from a dirty shallow pond for as long as anyone can remember. It is the only water supply they have and drinking from it has cost some of their lives.

Water-borne disease is prevalent in Africa, affecting many in Kaiyeye. One million people die from malaria in sub-Saharan Africa every year, most of them being children. It was time for Operation Blessing to turn their lives around, and our partners made it happen!

Staff from our Living Waters program came to Kaiyeye several weeks ago with a goal of digging a well and installing a hand pump. Anticipation grew as onlookers watched the process. Then, on March 31st children and their parents were delighted to see cool clear water gush out of the faucet for the first time!

During the commissioning ceremony the village Chief Mallam Peshe Mashawuri said, “What you have done in this village I will never forget; you have come to this bush to help us. God will reward you.”

One older woman commented, “I have drunk dirty water all my life. Today my children and grandchildren will enjoy clean water. Thank you.”

That same day a hygiene lecture was taught. Adults learned how to maintain the well and how to prepare drinking water at home. As the sun set that African night, many parents knew their children would be living healthier lives. No longer would their water be a source of disease but a source of life for years to come.

You can prevent a child or adult from illness or even an early death!

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Help break the cycle of suffering by giving toward Operation Blessing's water wells and cisterns program. A gift of $1,800 can drill a well for villages and supply families with clean drinking water.

 

------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 1997- 2012 by Operation Blessing International of this page and all contents. No part of this site may be used without prior written consent from OBI. All Rights Reserved. Questions or comments? Email us at operation.blessing@ob.org.