March 21, 2024

In a remote village in India, where the hills meet the horizon, one community grappled with a daunting challenge: a lack of access to safe drinking water. It was a close-knit village, led by its dedicated pradhan (elected leader), Suraja. The villagers relied on a nearby spring for their water needs, but during scorching summer months, the spring would run dry. They would be compelled to undertake an exhausting journey to a neighbouring village for water, which in turn allowed less time for economic or educational pursuits.

Reena, a staff member for World Renew’s local partner, EFICOR, had been trained to assist the Village Savings and Loan (VSL) members in addressing the village’s problems. She joined forces with this association to draft an application and submit it to the Block Development Officer (BDO) and the water department, emphasizing the pressing need for a safe drinking water facility in the community.

In July 2023, the patience and determination of the group bore fruit. A newly installed water tank now provides access to safe drinking water for the village. This victory is especially sweet for the women of this community, who no longer have to spend hours fetching water from distant villages since it’s now readily available right in their own backyard.

Suraja and the community members are finding renewed hope and strength in the knowledge that their village can thrive thanks to a consistent supply of safe drinking water.

In the words of Pradhan Suraja, “Access to safe drinking water has improved not only our health but also our quality of life,” says Suraja. “We are now encouraged to continue our journey towards a brighter future, united because of water.”