New Life Source Dug in Nigeria
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!
You can provide a family with a cistern for as little as $200. Breaking
it down, just $50 can provide a lifetime of water for an individual. An
average water bill for a household in the US is approximately $50 per
month. This means for just $50, or one months’ water bill
you can give a child or adult the gift of a lifetime of clean water.
You can also choose to help an entire village for only $1,000. Your gift
will be used to dig a well and install a pump or build cisterns.
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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.
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