It’s pre-dawn in Bungoma County, Kenya. Domari, a 13-year-old girl living with her grandmother, is already up and working to complete the chores she must do prior to going to school for the day. Among these tasks is a two hour walk to collect water from a spring to be used throughout the day for drinking, cooking, and bathing. The water she retrieves is contaminated and will cause her and her family to have nausea and diarrhea. Having experienced waterborne illness their whole lives, they know nothing different.
Once all her chores are finished, Domari heads to school, carrying her personal water supply for the day. Water is heavy and girls like Domari often experience health consequences as they grow older caused by years of hauling 40 pounds+ of water on their heads multiple times each day. The time required for collecting and hauling water also means girls are often late for school, which leaves them no time to play or be social.
Recently, WaterStep worked with Domari’s school to install a new tank and safe water and sanitation solutions onsite. Today, Domari has ready access to this nearby safe water supply for use at home and while at school. She, her family, and her classmates can confidently drink the water knowing it won’t make them sick. IT’S A BRAND-NEW DAY AND A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR DOMARI AND THE OTHER YOUNG GIRLS IN HER COMMUNITY!
Access to safe water has changed Domari’s life, giving her a new normal with time for school and friends. YOU have the opportunity to lift the burden of hauling unsafe water from other young ladies like Domari by donating to WaterStep TODAY. If you give NOW, one donor will match gifts received up to $7,500 to SAVE MORE LIVES WITH SAFE WATER!
Watch the video below to see the whole story of Domari and how WaterStep brought safe water to her community.
