The Gift of Clean Water
Pictured above: Girls collect water to use at the center.
Amplify Church, thank you!
Because of your generosity, a total of 2,850 Ugandans now have access to clean and safe drinking water. The new well, water purification and storage system at Bunyukhe Child Development Center is bringing more than just clean water — it’s also bringing freedom from waterborne illness, strengthening community relations and restoring hope for the future in this remote Ugandan village. Thank you for expressing your care toward these children and their families.
Guy Wasko
Implementation Details
Since our last update, the construction team laid the remaining plumbing, constructed the public access point and conducted an operation and maintenance training for church and center staff. To ensure the sustainability and good stewardship of the water system, the church formed a Water User Committee, led by a church member, that includes other representatives from the church, child development center and community. The committee oversees the water system’s operations and ensures that all voices are heard in the decision-making processes.
Weekly cleaning, and pipe and mechanical inspections are conducted to identify any issues and implement proper solutions. A monthly local fee of 2,000 Ugandan Shillings (less than $1) is collected from community members to help with necessary repairs. The vigilance of the committee and local contributions help maintain the integrity of the water system and ensure continuous access to clean water. Bi-annual education and training sessions are also held to equip church and community members with water conservation techniques and good hygiene practices. The church is establishing partnerships and networks with local government and other organizations for technical support and exploring opportunities for additional water sources to accommodate the growing population.
The well was built inside the control room which greatly reduces its chances of getting damaged or misused.
Three taps were installed throughout the church property to increase access to safe water at the center.
To promote hand-washing and improved personal hygiene, a spigot was installed close to the sanitation facilities making it easy to wash hands after using the toilet and to collect water for bathing and cleaning.
Thanks to the closeby well, local farmers can now irrigate their crops during the dry season, increasing their yields.
Animals, like these cows and goats, also benefit from the new well.
A community member uses the water to nourish his crops that he will harvest and sell for household income.
Outcomes in Busia, Uganda
The new well installation and water filtration system was intended to enhance sanitation and hygiene practices and mitigate the prevalence of waterborne diseases in children at Bunyukhe Child Development Center. The provision of safe drinking water in each community with an existing Compassion Frontline Church Partner is one of the ways Compassion Uganda is helping to release more children more quickly from poverty in Jesus’ name.
Community access to the water source has reduced illnesses and saved time, allowing mothers to return home sooner to care for and protect their children. Improved hygiene is evident as people have enough water for washing, bathing and drinking. Public gatherings at the church now offer easy access to safe water, enhancing the church’s positive reputation among the community. And children no longer have to travel long distances for water, ensuring greater physical protection and more time to pursue their dreams. As a secondary benefit, the project has boosted farming gains, the community’s main source of income, by providing clean water for livestock and crops.
Overall, the church has seen a dramatic improvement in the lives of children and their families because of this new well. The entire community is grateful for your support, and the church continues to bless the community by meeting the most pressing needs of its people.
A Bright Future for Juma
Juma, a 12-year-old participant at the center, shares, “I used to spend 3 hours walking to fetch water for my family to use at home. Now it only takes me 10 minutes. The extra time has allowed me to read books, the Bible, do my homework or play soccer with my friends. I have also started my own vegetable garden at home since there is easily accessible water to help it grow. I sell the vegetables to help provide for my family and purchase school supplies.
I can’t thank you enough for giving us this incredible gift. Through your generosity, I am challenged to always have hope for the future, and I am determined to work hard, excel and make a memorable impact on my community. Thank you for inspiring me to do these things! May God continue to use you as you share his blessings with those in need.”
Edited for clarity.
Gratitude From Medius, the Center Director
Having been sensitized to the dangers of using and drinking unsafe water, children joyfully use the new water access points throughout the center property, reducing their risks of contracting waterborne illnesses and improving their concentration at school.
Additionally, children who used to travel more than 3 miles to fetch water now have access to safe water closer to their homes, allowing them more time for other activities such as playing and reading the Bible, which contribute to their overall development. The church no longer spends money on labor to fetch water or buy filtered water from the store and has instead redirected those funds to purchase discipleship materials for children.
Addressing the clean water challenges that affected our center and community has resulted in children feeling more loved, known and protected. They are more motivated to attend church and center activities, and I am confident that our children are more physically healthy than ever before.
Dear supporters, may God continue to bless you, and may you continue in the spirit of changing peoples’ lives. You have put smiling faces on our children, parents and community members because of your generous gift of clean water. Thank you!
Children fill their cups with clean drinking water thanks to your gift.
With Deep Gratitude
Amplify Church, as you can see, your gift of clean water has greatly impacted this rural village in Busia, Uganda. Your gift to build a new well and provide clean water will impact generations to come. Thank you for partnering with Compassion to leave a legacy of generosity and expressing your care toward God’s precious children around the world. May he continue to bless you richly!