When I traveled to South Sudan, I expected to see how Water is Basic’s work had impacted lives by providing clean water to needy communities. I did not anticipate being so impressed by the operations. Nor did I grasp the profound impact on women's lives or the generational impact on mothers, their daughters, and their daughters’ daughters.
Amanda, Madison and Bret Brummit in South Sudan
I’m an operations and strategy person. So, I’m usually disappointed when I get to see behind the veil of an organization. But Water is Basic and the local teams impressed me.
The level of sophistication on the well-repair side blew me away. Despite the challenging environment, our local teams showcase remarkable efficiency, utilizing hyperlocal resources and implementing effective logistics systems.
And, short of the money to order parts and move them around, it’s all hyperlocal.
Improving Women’s Lives Today and For Generations
Women are at the heart of this transformation. By providing them with reliable access to clean water, we are improving their daily lives and challenging societal norms. Female well mechanics, actively involved in managing water resources, are earning incomes, gaining respect, and contributing to shifts in societal perceptions of women's capabilities.
The impact extends to the younger generation as well. The arduous task of fetching water puts girls alone and far from home for many hours a day exposing them to great danger and keeping them from attending school. Eliminating this task means girls can attend school and reduce the risk of being sexually assaulted. This transformative change creates a ripple effect, positively impacting generations to come.
How You Can Help
This story of Water is Basic is way bigger than clean water. It’s economic opportunity, generational transformation, women's empowerment, and hope for a nation.
And it's worth the investment of my and my husband's resources. It's worth yours, too.
As we bring the year to an end, I encourage you to consider donating to Water is Basic. We can change lives there one well at a time.
